Leila Shahid, Palestine’s first female diplomat, died at her home in southern France. She passed away on February 18, 2026, at age 76. Her family confirmed the news to Le Monde newspaper. Shahid had suffered from serious illness for several years.
Early Life and Education
Shahid grew up in Beirut, Lebanon, after her birth in 1949. She studied at the American University of Beirut. There she met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. Additionally she worked in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon before entering diplomacy.
Diplomatic Career
Shahid began her diplomatic role in 1989 as the first woman to represent the Palestine Liberation Organization abroad. She served in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
Then she acted as general delegate of Palestine in France from 1993 to 2006. Later, she represented Palestine at the European Union from 2006 to 2015. Shahid stayed with Arafat during his final days in a French hospital in 2004.
Final Years and Statements
In her later years, Shahid spoke out against the Israeli occupation. In a 2025 France24 interview, she welcomed France’s recognition of a Palestinian state. “I think it’s very important, it’s not only symbolic,”
Shahid said. “We are reminding the world that it’s about self-determination, and we don’t know any other form for self-determination except a state.” She also highlighted “a genocide in Gaza and very violent attacks by settlers in the West Bank.”
Tributes from Leaders
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas praised Shahid. He called her a “model of diplomacy committed to the values of freedom, justice and peace.” Abbas added that “she remained faithful to her people’s message until her final days.”
Hala Abou-Hassira, the Palestinian ambassador to France, described Shahid as an “iconic ambassador of Palestine” and a “tremendous loss.”
Abou-Hassira stated, “She never stopped speaking out against the Israeli occupation or believing that justice would ultimately prevail.” Majed Bamya, deputy Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, noted that Shahid “embodied the aspirations and suffering of her people.” Hussam Zumlot, Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, hailed her as “a towering figure” with “grace, conviction, and dedication.”
Legacy of Advocacy
Shahid’s death prompted global condolences. Colleagues committed to her cause. Abou-Hassira declared, “In her memory, we commit to continuing what she started. Her fight is our fight.” Shahid’s work advanced Palestinian self-determination amid ongoing conflict.
