A Palestinian aid worker, who played a key role in organizing World Cup match screenings in Gaza, was fatally struck by an Israeli missile just prior to the Egypt vs. Argentina match on Tuesday evening.
Alongside him, two young brothers, aged eight and ten, and another man nearby lost their lives in the attack.
Mohamed al-Wahidi, 57, served as the director of the Egyptian Committee in Gaza and was known for his extensive work on aid and development initiatives in the region. Recently, he had been responsible for facilitating World Cup screenings across the Gaza Strip, providing a much-needed distraction amid ongoing violence, a fragile ceasefire, and stringent restrictions on humanitarian assistance.
The Israeli military acknowledged the strike, asserting that al-Wahidi was not the intended target, and that the missile was aimed at a “terrorist in Hamas’ military wing”
The strike occurred in the Sabra district of Gaza City approximately one hour before the match that al-Wahidi had helped to bring to the local community, where many gathered to support their team. Family members indicated that he was en route to a screening in Tel al-Hawa, southern Gaza City, when the missile hit the taxi he was traveling in.
While the driver survived, at least three other individuals on the street were killed, including brothers Fari and Hamza al-Deri, who were returning home after playing football.
“We were gathered at a family event when we heard an explosion and were told that a car had been hit on al-Maghribi Street,” recounted Abd Alkhaleq al-Wahidi, Mohamed’s cousin. “By the time I arrived, medical personnel had already recovered the bodies of a child and an unidentified man, while another young man lay injured on the ground. Someone at the scene informed me that one of my relatives was critically hurt and likely deceased.
“When I arrived, medical crews had already recovered the bodies of a child and an unidentified man, while another young man was lying on the ground with injuries. Someone at the scene told me that one of my relatives had been critically injured and might have died. “The first moments after learning of Mohamed’s death were extremely difficult,” he continued. “He was widely loved and had a strong presence at family and community gatherings. 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.”
Another victim of the airstrike was 30-year-old Ahmed Daghmush, who was struck by shrapnel while inside a relative’s house close to the explosion.
Daghmush’s cousin, Ashour, described the incident: “A piece of shrapnel hit him in the back, piercing his lungs. Initially, he didn’t realize the severity of his injury, but once he saw the bleeding, people rushed him to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter.
“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. “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.”
A representative of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that al-Wahidi was not the target of the airstrike.
“Yesterday, the IDF struck a terrorist in Hamas’ military wing while he was traveling in a vehicle in the northern Gaza Strip,” they explained. “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.”
The spokesperson did not provide additional details on whether the intended target was either killed or injured.
Since the US-brokered ceasefire was implemented in October, over 1,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli military actions, with nearly 3,500 more injured. The Israeli army continues to occupy more than 60% of the Gaza Strip, with little opportunity for reconstruction, leaving vital civilian infrastructure and health and education services in disarray.
A recent report from an independent UN commission of inquiry highlighted that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by Israel during the conflict, including the period following the ceasefire. The overall Palestinian death toll since the war began in October 2023 has surpassed 73,000.
