PARIS, February 20, 2026 (WAFA) — The French presidency mourned the passing of Leila Shahid, a veteran Palestinian diplomat, who served as the Palestinian ambassador to France and as a representative to the European Union, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
Shahid passed away on Wednesday after a lifetime dedicated to advocating for Palestinian rights and her people’s cause.
In a statement, the French presidency praised Shahid for her steadfast defense of the Palestinian people, her commitment to humanitarian values, and her advocacy for women, highlighting her efforts to spotlight the struggles of mothers affected by war.
The statement offered condolences to her family and relatives, noting that even after her official retirement from diplomacy in 2015, Shahid continued to defend her country through cultural channels, including books, music, cinema, and museums, reflecting her belief that a nation’s identity is expressed through its intellectual and creative achievements.
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