Palestinians mourn Gaza World Cup screenings organiser killed in Israeli strike

The initiative aimed to offer families, particularly children, a brief escape from the realities of war.

Egypt’s matches attracted large crowds, reflecting the long-standing popularity of the team among many Palestinians in Gaza who have long shared cultural, emotional and political ties with their neighbours.

Videos of children and families gathering around giant screens among destroyed buildings spread widely online, offering rare scenes of celebration amid the conflict.

Al-Wahidi was killed only hours before one of those screenings, Egypt’s last 16 match against Argentina, deepening the sense of loss among many Palestinians.

“He was not simply an aid worker in a humanitarian committee,” wrote activist Mohammed Hmeid, who documented al-Wahidi’s work. “He was a door to hope that opened every day for displaced people and those who had lost everything.”

“Everyone who knew him speaks of his kindness, integrity and generosity,” he added.

“In Gaza, even those who dedicate their lives to helping others are not spared. But good deeds cannot be killed. They live on in the hearts of the people.”

Al-Wahidi’s death comes as humanitarian workers in Gaza continue to face significant risks.

As of late April, the UN had recorded the killing of at least 593 of them since the war began, including eight since Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire 10 months ago

The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the unprecedented Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.

At least 73,118 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are seen as reliable by the UN.