Israel/Palestinian Territories – Death of Mr Ahmed Shamia, PAUSE programme laureate (14 May 2025)

France was deeply shocked to learn of the death of Mr Ahmed Shamia, very seriously wounded in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on 7 May 2025. It extends its sincere condolences to his family, particularly his wife.

Mr Shamia, a Palestinian architect and artist, was a PAUSE programme laureate. This programme of scientific and artistic excellence, run by the Collège de France with the support of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs among others, allows laureates to join higher-education institutions in France. As a reminder, some 20 PAUSE laureates were evacuated by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs through its Crisis and Support Centre on 16 and 23 April 2025.

France reiterates its call for an immediate end to the hostilities that are harming Gaza’s civilians. The Israeli authorities must guarantee the protection of all civilians and humanitarian staff, and lift all obstacles to the entry of humanitarian aid. France repeats its call for the unconditional release of all the hostages still being held in Gaza, and for the resumption of negotiations with a view to a ceasefire.