Israel now plans pogrom in Gaza

By Lucy Ashton

Bernard Cowan, originally from Newton Mearns was reportedly killed during violence by the terrorists in the Middle East on Saturday.

The 57-year-old’s devastated family shared the news of his death on social media, describing him as one of the “kindest people you would ever meet”.

His brother, Colin, said: “Yesterday my brother was murdered by the terrorist group Hamas. He was the kindest, most generous person you would ever meet and would go out of his way to help others. We are all heartbroken.”

Bernard’s cousin Simon Gordon added: “Just when I thought the shock of what happened in Israel yesterday couldn’t get worse. I find out a cousin was killed. Bernard Cowan, nice guy with children. Gone. Murdered in cold blood in his home.”

His sister, Laura, also wrote: “Yesterday my dear brother Bernard was shot dead murdered by Hamas.”

Dozens of friends flocked online to pay their respects to Bernard and his grieving family.

Amanda Jayne Harris said: “Absolutely horrific to know that Bernard’s life was ended in this way. May your family know no futher sorrow and sending so much love to you and Colin.  He spoke proudly of all of you. He lived on a beautiful Kibbutz.”

Charles Levine said: “So sad to hear this, I remember Bernard well from Shul and visiting your parents (and ‘uncle’ Norman) when I was little. I wish you, your mum, Colin, and all your families long life and only Simchas in the future. Baruch dayan ha’emet.”

Humza Yousaf said his wife’s parents travelled to Gaza to see her father’s sick mother.

The Israelis have told them to leave, but Mr Yousaf said they had no way to get out and the UK Foreign Office could not guarantee safe passage.

He said he and his wife were “sick with worry” that they would not survive.

Nadia El-Nakla’s parents travelled to Gaza about a week ago and were there when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel this weekend, killing hundreds.

Mr Yousaf told the BBC he strongly condemned the “unjustifiable” actions of Hamas.

“There can be no equivocation about that condemnation, and the Scottish government is strong in its condemnation, ” he said.

“What we have unfortunately seen is many innocent people lose their lives in the course of the last 48 and 72 hours.

“The lives of an innocent Israeli are to me equal to the lives of an innocent Palestinian.

“Many innocent people on both sides are losing their lives and that cannot be justified in any way, shape or form.”

The first minister said many Jewish families in Scotland would be worried about family members that they have not heard from.

More than 10 British citizens are feared dead or missing in Israel after the weekend’s attack by Hamas, an official UK source has told the BBC.

Elizabeth El-Nakla and Maged El-Nakla were visiting family in Gaza when the Hamas attacks happened

Mr Yousaf said his in-laws Maged and Elizabeth El-Nakla had been visiting his father-in-law’s 92-year-old mother when the Hamas attack took place.

He said they were told by Israeli authorities to leave because “Gaza will effectively be obliterated”.

Hamas, a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist, militant, and nationalist organisation, which rules the Gaza Strip, moved across the border and invaded Southern Israel on Saturday. Fighters have since fired thousands of rockets into the country as the group announced the beginning of a new operation.

The Israeli military put the country on war alert and began striking targets in Gaza in response, setting the stage for what was likely to be a new heavy round of fighting between the bitter enemies. Since the launch of their latest attack, thousands of rockets have reportedly been launched into Israel.

Local reports suggest that the death toll nears 1,300 asa the battle rages on for a third day. The elusive leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, announced on Saturday the beginning of what he called “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm”.

A child is carried by its mother from the devastated ruins of their home in Gaza.