Palestine’s first female diplomat Leila Shahid dies in France at 76
Leila Shahid, the first female diplomat to represent Palestine, has passed away at the age of 76 in southern France.
Leila Shahid, recognized as the first female diplomat representing Palestine, has died in southern France at the age of 76. Her family confirmed her death, highlighting her significant contributions to Palestinian diplomacy. Born in Lebanon in 1949, Shahid had a prominent career that began with her role for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Ireland and continued through her representation in the Netherlands and France, culminating in her work with the European Union. As a trailblazer for Palestinian women in diplomacy, Shahid was instrumental in fostering dialogue with those seeking peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Her legacy includes establishing critical contacts that would push for peaceful resolutions, and her influence extended beyond diplomatic corridors to symbolizing hope for justice and reconciliation. The Palestinian representative in France remarked on her passing as a significant loss for both Palestine and the global pursuit of justice. Reports indicate that Shahid was discovered deceased in her home in La Leque, with authorities currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Shahid's contributions as a diplomat and her pioneering role in international relations for Palestine will be remembered as a vital part of the diplomatic history, offering inspiration to future generations of women in leadership roles.