Mohamed al-Wahidi, a 57-year-old Palestinian aid worker who organized screenings of World Cup matches across the Gaza Strip, was killed by an Israeli missile strike on Tuesday evening, just before the Egypt-Argentina match. The attack in the Sabra district of Gaza City also killed two brothers, aged eight and ten, and another man.
Details of the Attack
The strike occurred about an hour before kick-off. Al-Wahidi was in a taxi traveling to a screening in Tel al-Hawa when a missile hit his vehicle. His driver survived, but Fari and Hamza al-Deri, who were returning from playing football, and Ahmed Daghmush, 30, were killed. Daghmush was hit by shrapnel while in a relative's house and died later from his wounds.
Victim Profile
Al-Wahidi was the director of the Egyptian Committee in Gaza and had worked on aid and development projects for years. He recently organized World Cup screenings, providing a diversion from the ongoing conflict and a partially observed ceasefire. His cousin, Abd Alkhaleq al-Wahidi, described him as "widely loved" and known for helping families in need. Daghmush's cousin, Ashour, called him "a kind and respectful young man."
Israeli Military Response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating that al-Wahidi was not the intended target. A spokesperson said the missile was aimed at "a terrorist in Hamas' military wing" and that the incident is under review. The IDF expressed regret for any harm to uninvolved civilians.
Broader Context
Since the US-brokered ceasefire in October, over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 3,500 wounded by Israeli military action. The Israeli army occupies more than 60% of Gaza, and reconstruction has been blocked. A UN commission reported that Palestinian children were deliberately targeted during the war. The overall death toll since October 2023 exceeds 73,000.
