Palestinian Diplomat Leila Shahid Dies in France at Age 76

Former Palestinian Envoy to France and EU Leila Shahid Dies at 76

Leila Shahid, the first female diplomat to represent Palestine abroad, has passed away at the age of 76. According to reports, Shahid died on Wednesday at her home in southern France.

Condolences have poured in from various individuals and organizations, including Hala Abou-Hassira, Palestinian ambassador to France, who described Shahid as “a tremendous loss for Palestine and for the world that believes in justice.” Majed Bamya, deputy Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, also paid tribute to Shahid, stating that she was “a voice for justice, freedom and peace.”

Shahid’s family confirmed her death without providing further details. Born in Beirut in 1949, Shahid studied at the American University of Beirut before working in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.

Shahid began her career with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) abroad in Ireland in 1989, later becoming a representative in the Netherlands and Denmark. She served as Palestinian ambassador to France from 1994 until 2005 and later as envoy to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

In an interview last year, Shahid expressed her support for France’s decision to formally recognize a Palestinian state, stating that it was “very important” and symbolic of self-determination. However, she also emphasized that much work remained to be done to address the ongoing Israeli occupation and its impact on Palestinians.

Shahid’s death comes as Palestine is experiencing one of its darkest periods in history. Abou-Hassira stated that Shahid’s legacy will continue to inspire those who fight for justice and dignity, saying “Her fight is our fight. Her determination is our compass.”

Source: Al Jazeera