Leila Shahid, the first female Palestinian diplomat, has died at the age of 76 in her home in Lecques, southern France, on February 18, 2026. Her family confirmed her passing, which has been described as a result of suicide, following years of serious illness. Hala Abou-Hassira, the Palestinian ambassador in France, remarked that her death is a 'tremendous loss for Palestine, and for the world that believes in justice,' highlighting her significant impact on the Palestinian cause. Shahid's legacy resonates amid ongoing escalations in Gaza, as she dedicated her life to the values of freedom, justice, and peace, sentiments echoed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Middle East Eye, ABC International).