A Palestinian aid worker who organised public screenings of FIFA World Cup matches in Gaza was killed by an Israeli missile strike on Tuesday, just an hour before Egypt faced Argentina in the last 16. Mohamed al-Wahidi, 57, had dedicated himself to bringing the joy of the World Cup to Palestinians living under the shadow of near‑daily violence and a fragile ceasefire. His death, along with those of two young brothers and a neighbour, underscores the devastating human cost of a conflict that continues to claim innocent lives.
The Strike That Cut Short a Night of Football
According to his family, al-Wahidi was travelling in a taxi through the Sabra district of Gaza City, heading to a screening in Tel al‑Hawa, when a missile struck his vehicle. The driver survived, but al-Wahidi was killed instantly. At the scene, rescue crews recovered the bodies of Fari and Hamza al‑Deri, aged eight and 10, who were walking home after playing football. A fourth victim, 30‑year‑old Ahmed Daghmush, died later in hospital from shrapnel wounds sustained while visiting a relative near the blast.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating that al-Wahidi was not the intended target. “The IDF struck a terrorist in Hamas’ military wing while he was travelling in a vehicle in the northern Gaza Strip,” a spokesperson said. “The IDF is aware of the claim that uninvolved civilians were harmed as a result of the strike. The incident is under review. The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and takes all feasible measures to mitigate such harm.” No information was provided on whether the intended target was killed.
Football as a Lifeline in a Devastated Gaza
Al-Wahidi was the director of the Egyptian Committee in Gaza and had worked for years on aid and development projects. As the World Cup captured global attention, he turned his efforts to setting up screens across the strip, giving residents a rare chance to gather and celebrate. “He was widely loved and had a strong presence at family and community gatherings,” said his cousin, Abd Alkhaleq al‑Wahidi. “He was known for his public speaking skills and was often chosen to speak at local events. He was known for helping people and supporting families in need.”
These screenings became a vital escape for a population reeling from a partially observed ceasefire, severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, and a health and education infrastructure in ruins. The match between Egypt and Argentina had drawn huge crowds, with many in Gaza backing the neighbouring Arab side. Al‑Wahidi’s work meant that even in the heart of a war zone, the beautiful game could offer a fleeting sense of normality and hope.
Civilian Suffering in a Forgotten Conflict
Al‑Wahidi’s death is far from an isolated incident. Since a US‑brokered ceasefire was declared in October, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military action and nearly 3,500 wounded, according to the Guardian. The Israeli army still occupies over 60% of the Gaza Strip, and no significant reconstruction has been permitted. A recent UN independent commission of enquiry report described conditions as catastrophic, with civilian infrastructure deliberately denied repair.
“The first moments after learning of Mohamed’s death were extremely difficult,” Abd Alkhaleq al‑Wahidi said. “He was a kind and respectful young man who worked hard to provide for his family. He loved joking and laughing with everyone and was well‑liked by his relatives and neighbours.”
Another cousin, Ashour Daghmush, described Ahmed as a gentle soul: “A piece of shrapnel struck him in the back and pierced his lungs. At first, he didn’t realise he had been seriously injured, but when he noticed the bleeding, people rushed him to the hospital, where he died of his wounds a short time later.”
Key Takeaways
- A Palestinian aid worker who organised World Cup public screenings in Gaza was killed in an Israeli missile strike just before Egypt played Argentina.
- Two brothers, aged 8 and 10, and another civilian also died in the strike, which the IDF says targeted a Hamas operative and is under review.
- Al‑Wahidi’s screenings provided a rare escape for Palestinians enduring daily violence, a failing ceasefire, and a humanitarian crisis.
- Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military action since a ceasefire was declared in October, with no major reconstruction allowed.
- The tragedy highlights how even moments of footballing unity are shattered by the ongoing conflict.
Quick Facts
Victim: Mohamed al‑Wahidi, 57
Role: Director, Egyptian Committee in Gaza; World Cup screening organiser
Date and Place: 8 July 2026, Sabra district, Gaza City
Match: Egypt vs Argentina — FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16
Additional Fatalities: Fari al‑Deri (8), Hamza al‑Deri (10), Ahmed Daghmush (30)
IDF Statement: Strike targeted a Hamas operative; al‑Wahidi not an intended target; incident under review.