Israel Strike Kills Gaza Aid Official Who Organized World Cup Viewings for Displaced Residents

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Gaza City to mourn Mohammad al-Waheidi, a senior aid worker credited with bringing moments of relief to war-weary families by organizing public screenings of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after he was killed in an Israeli airstrike earlier this week.

Al-Waheidi, who worked with the Egyptian Relief Committee in Gaza, was killed when an Israeli strike hit the taxi in which he was traveling in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. According to medical officials, three other people were also killed in the attack, including two children who were nearby at the time.

The Israeli military said the strike was aimed at a Hamas militant traveling in the vehicle and stated that it was reviewing reports that civilians had been harmed. It did not identify the intended target or confirm the identities of those killed.

Al-Waheidi had become widely known across Gaza for organizing large public screenings of World Cup matches, allowing thousands of displaced residents to watch games despite widespread destruction, power shortages and the continuing humanitarian crisis. Giant screens powered by generators drew families to temporary shelters and open spaces, providing a rare sense of normalcy amid the conflict.

His son, Fawaz, said his father was committed to helping people displaced by the war and believed that even simple moments of joy could provide emotional relief for those enduring months of hardship. According to family members, Al-Waheidi viewed the football screenings as part of a broader humanitarian effort to support communities living in difficult conditions.

During the funeral, mourners wrapped Al-Waheidi’s body in both Palestinian and Egyptian flags, reflecting his work with the Egyptian aid organization and the close ties between Gaza and Egypt’s humanitarian relief efforts. Hundreds attended the procession, paying tribute to a man many described as dedicated to serving his community.

Egyptian officials reportedly raised concerns with Israel following the incident, expressing opposition to continued strikes affecting humanitarian personnel and warning that such incidents could hinder relief operations in Gaza. Egypt has played a central role in facilitating aid deliveries and mediating ceasefire negotiations throughout the conflict.

The killing comes as indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue, with mediators seeking progress on unresolved issues including hostage releases, security arrangements and humanitarian access. Despite an earlier ceasefire agreement, violence has persisted in parts of Gaza, with Israeli strikes and other security incidents continuing to claim lives.

For many Palestinians, Al-Waheidi’s legacy extends beyond humanitarian work. His World Cup screenings became symbols of resilience, offering children and adults alike a brief escape through football during one of the most difficult periods in Gaza’s recent history. Friends and colleagues said his efforts demonstrated the importance of preserving hope even in the midst of conflict.