Gaza City, Gaza Strip – Mohamed al-Wahidi, a 57-year-old Palestinian aid worker who organized public World Cup screenings across the Gaza Strip, died Tuesday evening in an Israeli missile strike. The attack also killed three other people, including two young brothers, just before a highly anticipated match between Egypt and Argentina. Al-Wahidi, a respected figure, was traveling to a screening event in Gaza City when the missile hit his taxi. His death has plunged the already suffering enclave into deeper mourning, ending a rare source of joy for thousands of residents.
A Life Dedicated to Aid and Community Spirit
Mohamed al-Wahidi served as the public relations director for the Egyptian Committee in Gaza, an organization established by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to provide essential humanitarian aid. For many years, al-Wahidi dedicated himself to various aid and development projects across the Palestinian territory. His work brought vital food, shelter, and other assistance to families in need.
More recently, al-Wahidi took on the significant task of organizing public screenings of the FIFA World Cup matches. These events offered thousands of Gazans a critical escape from the daily hardships of war, displacement, and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid. Crowds of all ages gathered amidst rubble and on damaged buildings to watch the games, finding a brief moment of unity and excitement. His son, Fawaz, said his father worked tirelessly to bring entertainment to the displaced people, attempting to set up screenings close to their tents and damaged shelters. Al-Wahidi was widely loved in his community. He was known for his public speaking skills and for consistently helping people and supporting families.[tbsnews+12]
The Deadly Strike and Its Victims
The fatal strike occurred around an hour before the Egypt-Argentina match on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Al-Wahidi was in a taxi heading to a World Cup screening in the Tel al-Hawa area of southern Gaza City when a missile struck his vehicle in the Sabra district. The strike killed al-Wahidi and three other individuals. These victims included Ahmed Daghmush, 30 or 33, who was either the taxi driver or a passenger. Additionally, two young brothers, Fari al-Deri, 8, and Hamza al-Deri, 10, also died. They were on their way home from playing football nearby.[theguardian+8]
The Israeli military confirmed conducting the strike. However, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson stated that al-Wahidi was not the intended target. The military claimed the missile was aimed at a "terrorist in Hamas' military wing." The IDF spokesperson added that the incident is under review. They expressed regret for any harm to uninvolved individuals and stated that all feasible measures are taken to reduce such harm. Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, reported receiving the four bodies. Relatives of Ahmed Daghmush, the taxi driver, stated he had no known links to militant groups.[theguardian+12]
Gaza's Grief and Ongoing Struggle
The news of al-Wahidi's death sent shockwaves through the Gaza Strip. Mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their respects, with hundreds attending his funeral on Wednesday. His body was wrapped in both Palestinian and Egyptian flags during the procession, which moved from the Great Omari mosque in Gaza City. Family members described their initial moments of learning about his death as "extremely difficult." Abd Alkhaleq al-Wahidi, a cousin, recounted hearing the explosion and rushing to the scene. The planned World Cup screening went ahead on Tuesday, even as Palestinians gathered to support Egypt, turning a moment of anticipated celebration into one of profound grief.[theguardian+6]
Al-Wahidi's death highlights the ongoing risks for civilians and aid workers in Gaza, even after a ceasefire agreement was reached in October of last year (late 2025 by some accounts). Since the ceasefire took effect, Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,084 Palestinians. Humanitarian organizations warn that civilians in Gaza remain at significant risk as violence persists. The loss of dedicated individuals like al-Wahidi complicates efforts to deliver both material aid and emotional support to communities devastated by years of conflict. Egyptian security sources noted that a senior Egyptian official raised the issue of al-Wahidi's death with Israel, expressing opposition to continued assassinations and any obstruction of the Egyptian Committee's work.[cbsnews+12]
Mohamed al-Wahidi's efforts brought a brief, much-needed respite to a population enduring immense suffering, making his death a poignant reminder of the human cost of ongoing conflict.[middle-east-online+2]
