Diplomacy next: The internal politics of Hamas and the power of European engagement
Europeans have the potential to tip the scales in the coming diplomatic negotiations over Gaza, but they must move rapidly
Experts & Staff
Muhammad Shehada
Visiting Fellow
Areas of expertise
Palestine, human rights, armed conflict
Languages
Arabic, English
Biography
Muhammad Shehada is a visiting fellow with ECFR’s Middle East and North Africa programme. He is a Gazan researcher, writer, and human rights advocate. His work focuses on investigating human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank, and more broadly in the Middle East and Europe, with an emphasis on the treatment of migrants, refugees, and civilians in conflict zones.
He is currently serving as the chief of communications and programmes at the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor. He has contributed to a wide range of international publications such as The Forward, Al Jazeera, Newsweek, The Nation, and The New Arab.
Shehada holds a BA in computer engineering from the Islamic University of Gaza and pursued advanced studies in international development at Lund University in Sweden and security risk management at Copenhagen University in Denmark.
An imperfect promise: Where Trump’s peace plan for Gaza falls short
Trump’s peace plan could finally bring an end to Israel’s destruction of Gaza. But gaps in timing, guarantees, and last-minute Israeli amendments risk failure unless European and Arab states intervene
Decommission, not disarm: How Europe can help nudge Gaza toward peace
As Israel and Hamas edge toward a ceasefire, shifts are under way in both: Hamas is quietly opening up to decommissioning and Israel’s security elite is realising military victory is a myth. European leaders have a rare chance to help shift the Gaza war from attrition to political resolution
Israeli strikes have reignited Gaza—now Europeans must take action
Israel has refused to implement the second phase of its ceasefire agreement with Hamas and launched a new wave of attacks against Gaza, with US backing. Europeans need to respond with sanctions and diplomatic action
Why Europeans, Arab states and the Trump administration must work together to ensure a sustainable Gaza ceasefire
Israel and Hamas have finally reached a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza. Europeans must now work with the incoming Donald Trump administration and Arab partners to secure Palestinian self-determination
Trump’s return: A disaster for Gaza, a challenge for Europe
Pro-Israel hardliners dominate Trump’s new administration, leaving Palestinians with little hope for justice. European leaders can counterbalance this by supporting Palestinian self-determination and enforcing accountability
Dealing with Trump, Israel, and Hamas: The path to peace in the Middle East
With a two-state solution at risk, Europeans must work closely with Arab states to bring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to an end
Publications
Dealing with Trump, Israel, and Hamas: The path to peace in the Middle East
With a two-state solution at risk, Europeans must work closely with Arab states to bring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to an end
Articles
Diplomacy next: The internal politics of Hamas and the power of European engagement
Europeans have the potential to tip the scales in the coming diplomatic negotiations over Gaza, but they must move rapidly
An imperfect promise: Where Trump’s peace plan for Gaza falls short
Trump’s peace plan could finally bring an end to Israel’s destruction of Gaza. But gaps in timing, guarantees, and last-minute Israeli amendments risk failure unless European and Arab states intervene
Decommission, not disarm: How Europe can help nudge Gaza toward peace
As Israel and Hamas edge toward a ceasefire, shifts are under way in both: Hamas is quietly opening up to decommissioning and Israel’s security elite is realising military victory is a myth. European leaders have a rare chance to help shift the Gaza war from attrition to political resolution
Israeli strikes have reignited Gaza—now Europeans must take action
Israel has refused to implement the second phase of its ceasefire agreement with Hamas and launched a new wave of attacks against Gaza, with US backing. Europeans need to respond with sanctions and diplomatic action
Why Europeans, Arab states and the Trump administration must work together to ensure a sustainable Gaza ceasefire
Israel and Hamas have finally reached a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza. Europeans must now work with the incoming Donald Trump administration and Arab partners to secure Palestinian self-determination
Trump’s return: A disaster for Gaza, a challenge for Europe
Pro-Israel hardliners dominate Trump’s new administration, leaving Palestinians with little hope for justice. European leaders can counterbalance this by supporting Palestinian self-determination and enforcing accountability
In the media
Muhammad Shehada on the rivalry among armed groups after Israel’s retreat and the reconstruction plans in Gaza
Muhammad Shehada on the rise of new Israel-backed forces in Gaza following Yasser Abu Shabab’s death
Muhammad Shehada on the death of the anti-Hamas militia leader in Gaza
Muhammad Shehada on continued genocide in Gaza despite the ceasefire
Muhammad Shehada on Israel’s plans on ethnical cleansing in Gaza