Gaza Mourns Aid Worker Who Brought World Cup Joy to War-Torn Enclave

Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Gaza on Wednesday to mourn Mohammed al-Wahidi, a 57-year-old Palestinian who served as director of public relations for the Egyptian Relief Committee in the territory. Al-Wahidi was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday, along with three other people, in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City.

The strike hit a taxi al-Wahidi was travelling in on the eve of the Egypt vs Argentina World Cup match. Medics confirmed that among the dead were two young siblings — a 10-year-old and an 8-year-old — who were passing by at the time. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights identified the fourth victim as 30-year-old Ahmed Jehad Rajab Doghmosh, who was also inside the taxi. It remained unclear whether he was the driver or a passenger.

A Life of Service Amid Destruction

Al-Wahidi was widely recognised as one of the first to help clear rubble, reopen roads, and build camps for displaced families following the devastation that has gripped the enclave for more than two years. His role at the Egyptian Relief Committee — which functions as the Egyptian government's relief arm in the Palestinian territory — placed him at the centre of humanitarian efforts in a region under severe strain.

Two Egyptian security sources confirmed that al-Wahidi was tasked with logistics at the agency. The Egyptian committee described him as a respected community elder who dedicated himself to resolving disputes, feeding those in need, and finding ways to bring moments of joy to a population enduring extraordinary hardship.

World Cup Screenings for Displaced Fans

Among his most celebrated initiatives was the organisation of public World Cup screenings on giant screens, set up near tents and damaged shelters across the enclave. The matches brought happiness to thousands of football fans living in displacement, offering a rare source of entertainment amid the ruins.

Palestinians in Gaza, like many across the Arab world, had rallied behind the Egyptian national team during the tournament. Egypt delivered strong performances before being eliminated by Argentina.

His son, Fawaz, told Reuters by phone that his father had worked tirelessly to bring entertainment to displaced people and to anyone suffering in Gaza. He described the work as exhausting but said al-Wahidi consistently told his family of his desire to help those uprooted by war, bringing the matches close to their tents and wrecked shelters.

Diplomatic Response and Funeral

According to the two Egyptian security sources, a senior Egyptian official raised al-Wahidi's death directly with Israel, condemning the continuing killings in Gaza and the obstruction of the committee's humanitarian work. The diplomatic exchange underscores the tensions surrounding the ongoing violence despite formal ceasefire arrangements.

At Wednesday's funeral, hundreds of people rallied as al-Wahidi's body — wrapped in both Palestinian and Egyptian flags — was carried to burial. Neighbours and friends visited his home throughout the day to pay their respects, a testament to the deep regard in which he was held within the community he served.

Casualties Persist Despite Ceasefire

Al-Wahidi's death comes despite a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas on October 10, 2025. While ground fighting has diminished since the agreement took effect, Israel has continued to carry out airstrikes across the territory.

According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, at least 1,092 Palestinians have been killed and more than 3,507 wounded during the ceasefire period alone. Since the broader conflict began in October 2023, the ministry reports that more than 73,118 Palestinians have been killed.

The loss of an aid worker responsible for humanitarian logistics highlights the persistent dangers faced by relief personnel operating in the territory, even as diplomatic efforts seek to maintain the fragile truce. For the community that relied on his work — both the practical assistance and the rare moments of joy he created — his absence leaves a profound void.

As Gaza continues to grapple with the consequences of prolonged conflict, stories like al-Wahidi's offer a glimpse into the human cost behind the headlines. If you found this article informative, please consider sharing it with others who may want to stay informed about developments in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera English