The short version
- The memoir recounts the harrowing experience of Yousaf’s mother-in-law and father-in-law being stranded in Gaza after the October 2023 attacks.
- Yousaf describes the dual pressure of managing his political duties as First Minister while navigating a crisis involving his immediate family.
- The narrative includes sharp criticism of UK government officials for their lack of communication and assistance during the evacuation efforts.
A new book by Humza Yousaf, the former first minister of Scotland, offers an intimate look at the intersection of high-level political responsibility and personal crisis. The work focuses on a specific four-week period in late 2023 when Yousaf’s mother-in-law, Elizabeth, and her husband, Maged, were trapped in Gaza following the onset of intense Israeli bombing campaigns. The narrative centers on the fear and uncertainty experienced by the couple, who were visiting family when the conflict escalated, leaving them unable to leave the territory despite official assurances that foreign nationals would be permitted to depart.
The account begins with a distressing message received by Yousaf from his mother-in-law during the Scottish National Party conference. Elizabeth, a retired nurse from Dundee, texted him expressing fear for her life and requesting that he ensure the safety of their grandchildren. At that time, she and Maged were sheltering in Deir al-Balah with numerous neighbors whose homes had been destroyed. The situation deteriorated as supplies dwindled and evacuation orders proved to be false alarms, creating what Yousaf describes as a period of extreme psychological strain for his family.
While the bombing continued, Yousaf attempted to balance his official duties with the urgent need to secure the release of his in-laws. He engaged with aides and pleaded with the UK Foreign Office for assistance, but these efforts yielded little immediate result. The couple made several dangerous attempts to reach Rafah, the border crossing with Egypt, only to be turned away on multiple occasions. This bureaucratic failure stood in stark contrast to government statements promising safe passage for non-combatants, leaving Yousaf and his wife, Nadia El-Nakla, feeling abandoned by state mechanisms designed to protect citizens abroad.
The memoir also highlights the broader humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza through updates from Nadia’s brother, who was working in a local hospital. His reports described severe shortages of clean water and medical supplies, as well as the grim reality of performing surgeries without anesthesia under the light of mobile phones. These details serve to underscore the severity of the conditions faced by civilians, including Yousaf’s relatives, and provide context for the family’s desperation to escape the zone of conflict.
Yousaf reflects on the decision to make his family’s plight public, a choice driven by a desire to raise awareness about the suffering of Palestinian civilians. The title of the book, Under Fire, carries a dual significance, referring both to the physical danger in Gaza and the intense scrutiny faced by Yousaf as Scotland’s first Muslim leader. He navigated the challenge of maintaining political decorum while dealing with private trauma, often wrestling with what information to share publicly and what to keep within the family circle.
The narrative does not shy away from criticizing UK government officials for their handling of the situation. Yousaf expresses frustration with then-Foreign Secretary James Cleverly for failing to respond to his calls, even after the issue had become public. He also criticizes Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for not providing adequate updates to British citizens who had family members stranded in the region. These criticisms highlight a perceived disconnect between government rhetoric and the practical support offered to individuals in crisis.
While the primary focus remains on the family’s ordeal, the book also touches on Yousaf’s political struggles during this period. He discusses the challenge of stepping out of the shadow of his predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon, and addresses tensions with rival Kate Forbes. However, these political elements are presented as secondary to the central narrative of survival and loss, serving mainly to illustrate the complex environment in which Yousaf operated while managing a personal emergency.
The work serves as both a personal memoir and a commentary on the limitations of diplomatic channels during wartime. By detailing the specific failures of evacuation efforts and the emotional toll on his family, Yousaf provides a grounded perspective on the human cost of the conflict. The book aims to preserve the memory of those who were not as fortunate as his in-laws, offering a sobering reflection on the fragility of safety in zones of active warfare.
Ultimately, the memoir captures a moment where public duty and private fear collided. It documents the exhaustion of trying to influence foreign policy from within a devolved administration while watching loved ones face mortal danger. The account stands as a testament to the resilience required to navigate such dual pressures, offering readers a clear view of the personal stakes involved in international conflicts that often feel distant to those not directly affected.
As Yousaf looks back on this period, the narrative emphasizes the importance of bearing witness to civilian suffering. The book does not offer easy resolutions but instead presents a raw depiction of uncertainty and loss. It invites readers to consider the human dimensions of geopolitical events, reminding them that behind every headline are individuals facing life-altering decisions under extreme duress.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Under Fire by Humza Yousaf – a deeply affecting story of being stranded in Gaza
