Gaza aid worker behind World Cup screenings for Palestinians killed in Israeli strike, hospital boss says
Community Leader Who Brought Palestinians Together for World Cup Viewing Dies in Gaza Strike
A Tragic Loss for Gaza’s Soccer Community
Gaza aid worker behind World Cup screenings – Mohamed Al-Wahidi, a dedicated humanitarian worker who had become known for organizing public World Cup viewings throughout the Gaza Strip, lost his life in an Israeli missile attack. The strike occurred just moments before soccer enthusiasts were preparing to gather on Tuesday evening to watch the highly anticipated match between Egypt and Argentina. Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, who serves as the director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, confirmed the details of the incident to The Associated Press, noting that the missile struck a vehicle in the city during the twilight hours.
The Egyptian Relief Committee, an organization founded by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to deliver humanitarian assistance to the war-affected Palestinian territory, had appointed Al-Wahidi as its public relations director. In this capacity, he became instrumental in bringing together Palestinians from all walks of life to celebrate the global sporting event. His screenings attracted crowds of all ages who would gather among the rubble and atop buildings damaged by conflict to watch the championship being held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Four Lives Lost in the Attack
According to Dr. Selmiya, the strike claimed four lives in total. Alongside Al-Wahidi, the vehicle’s driver, Ahmed Daghmush, who was 33 years old, perished in the blast. Two young brothers also lost their lives: Hamza al-Deri, aged 10, and his younger sibling Fari, who was 8 years old. The tragedy struck at a particularly poignant moment, as families were preparing to celebrate their national team’s performance on the world stage.
On Tuesday, the IDF struck a terrorist in Hamas’ military wing while he was traveling in a vehicle in the northern Gaza Strip, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told CBS News on Thursday. 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.
A Community in Mourning
Despite the tragedy, the planned screening proceeded on Tuesday, with numerous Palestinians coming together to show their support for Egypt. The Egyptian Relief Committee issued a statement on Thursday expressing their deep sorrow over Al-Wahidi’s passing. The organization described him as a prominent figure in community reconciliation and a respected personality at both the national and social levels. They highlighted his unwavering dedication to resolving conflicts, serving his people, and reinforcing the values of love, tolerance, and brotherhood within Palestinian society.
The World Cup has provided a moment of unity for Palestinians during these challenging times. Egyptian team coach Hossam Hassan has consistently voiced his support for the Palestinian people throughout the tournament. Prior to the Argentina match, he paused his discussion of the upcoming game to deliver an emotional appeal on behalf of the people of Gaza and those living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Broader Context of Ongoing Conflict
As the world watched the World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco on Thursday afternoon, Gaza continued to face the realities of conflict. The Egyptian organization that Al-Wahidi represented had not yet responded to CBS News’ inquiry regarding his death or whether the screenings would continue. Since Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement in October, local health officials report that ongoing Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 1,084 deaths, with nine fatalities occurring on Wednesday alone. Al-Wahidi’s death adds another layer of sorrow to a community that has endured tremendous hardship while finding moments of joy through shared experiences like the World Cup.