**Title: Gaza Mourns Aid Worker Killed by Israeli Airstrike Amid World Cup Celebrations**
**Published: July 10, 2026**
Gaza City, Gaza Strip – A large crowd gathered in Gaza this week to mourn the loss of Mohammed al-Wahidi, a prominent aid worker who was killed by an Israeli airstrike. Al-Wahidi, 57, was a senior member of the Egyptian Relief Committee in Gaza and had been instrumental in organizing public screenings of the World Cup matches for the local population.
Al-Wahidi was killed on July 7, 2026, while he was in a taxi in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, just hours before the highly anticipated match between Egypt and Argentina. The airstrike also claimed the lives of three other individuals, including two young siblings, aged 10 and 8, and a 30-year-old man named Ahmed Jehad Rajab Doghmosh, who was reportedly in the taxi with al-Wahidi.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights confirmed the details of the incident, highlighting the tragic loss of life amid ongoing violence in the region. Al-Wahidi was known for his dedication to humanitarian efforts, having played a crucial role in clearing rubble, reopening roads, and establishing camps for displaced families in the aftermath of the conflict.
His work extended beyond logistical support; al-Wahidi was a respected community elder who sought to resolve disputes and provide aid to those in need. His efforts to bring joy to the community included organizing screenings of World Cup matches, which offered a brief respite from the harsh realities of life in Gaza. Thousands of residents gathered to watch the matches on giant screens, cheering for the Egyptian team as they progressed through the tournament.
"My father worked hard to bring some entertainment to the people, to the displaced, to us, and everyone who suffers in Gaza; he tried to bring them the matches close to their tents and wrecked shelters," said Fawaz, al-Wahidi's son, in a statement to Reuters.
The Egyptian Relief Committee, which operates as the relief arm of the Egyptian government in the Palestinian territories, expressed deep sorrow over al-Wahidi's death. Two Egyptian security sources revealed that a senior official had raised concerns with Israeli authorities regarding the ongoing violence and its impact on humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
The funeral for al-Wahidi took place on July 8, with hundreds of mourners in attendance. His body was wrapped in both Palestinian and Egyptian flags, symbolizing the connection between the two nations. Friends and neighbors visited his home throughout the day to pay their respects, reflecting the significant impact he had on the community.
Al-Wahidi's death comes amid a continued pattern of violence in Gaza, despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that was established on October 10, 2025. Since that time, while ground fighting has diminished, Israeli airstrikes have persisted, resulting in significant casualties. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, over 1,092 Palestinians have been killed and more than 3,507 wounded during this period.
The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of more than 73,118 Palestinians since the beginning of the current hostilities in October 2023, which has been described by many as a genocidal war against Gaza. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many residents struggling to access basic necessities and support.
As Gaza mourns the loss of Mohammed al-Wahidi, his legacy as a compassionate aid worker and community leader will be remembered by those he touched through his efforts to alleviate suffering and bring moments of joy to a beleaguered population.