BRUSSELS / PNN / 

In a historic diplomatic milestone, Dr Amal Jado Shakaa, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, formally presented her credentials to European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The official handover ceremony took place Wednesday afternoon at the Europa building, the headquarters of the European Council in Brussels. Held at 5 p.m., the ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Council Secretariat, the European Commission, and the European External Action Service. A brief reception followed, bringing together heads of EU institutions, staff members, and high-level EU representatives.

This marks the first time a Palestinian ambassador has presented credentials to the European Union at this level of diplomatic recognition—an important step in strengthening ties between Palestine and the EU.

European officials welcomed the development as a sign of mutual commitment to advancing political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation.

Speaking to the BBC, Dr Hussein Al-Waeli, an accredited journalist at the EU, said that the deterioration of Israeli-European relations was expected, especially in light of recent joint efforts by France, the UK, and Canada to push for sanctions on Israel and adopt a firmer stance.

Al-Waeli revealed that during a conversation with a European foreign minister, the official described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian catastrophe” and confirmed that the EU is moving toward formulating a united position under the bloc’s umbrella. This includes unanimous support—except for one country, the Czech Republic—for a ceasefire and the urgent entry of humanitarian aid.

“This shift is substantial,” Al-Waeli said, highlighting that the reception and recognition of Ambassador Jado by both President Costa and Commission President von der Leyen was unprecedented. “It signals a major change in how Europe views Palestinian diplomatic representation,” he added.

He called the event a “historic precedent” and a significant diplomatic development that places the Palestinian envoy on par with ambassadors from other recognised states at the EU level, especially at a time when European leaders are openly debating actions against Israel.

Addressing recent attacks on diplomats in Jenin, Al-Waeli noted that Israel’s anger over Ambassador Jado’s recognition was evident. He claimed the attacks were a reflection of Israeli frustration with increasing European and Western diplomatic pressure calling for a halt to the war and the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“This diplomatic recognition is part of a wider shift in Europe,” he said, “and it comes as pressure mounts on Israel to stop its military campaign.”