Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences on the passing of Palestine's first female Ambassador and activist Leila Shahid. Shahid passed away at the age of 76 in France.

According to South African Government News Agency, the President described Shahid's passing as a 'moment of sadness that ripples from the ruins of a brutalised Palestine to places all over the world where we remain resolute in our solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle for freedom'. Shahid's life was dedicated to activism, where she witnessed and fought against the violence and disregard of international law by the State of Israel, bringing these issues to the attention of the global community.

As an anthropologist, Leila Shahid focused on preserving the cultural history of the Palestinian people, who have endured attacks on their identity, dignity, and security. Her efforts in campaigning for the freedom of Palestine were relentless throughout her life. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of appreciating Shahid's leadership and ensuring that her vision of a free Palestine is realized. "May her soul rest in peace," he stated.