Israeli Strike Kills Gaza Aid Worker Organizing World Cup Screenings

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza has killed a prominent Palestinian aid official, Mohamed al-Wahidi, who was instrumental in organizing screenings of the FIFA World Cup across the strip. The strike occurred just before the kickoff of the match between Argentina and Egypt, transforming what was anticipated as a moment of celebration into a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict.

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what was supposed to be a moment of celebration, the live screening of a potential upset against Argentina by an Arab team, into a reminder of how the near-daily Israeli strikes are continuing to kill civilians despite a truce reached in October

Media reports, including from The Associated Press, described the blast that killed al-Wahidi as occurring at dusk in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. The strike also claimed the lives of the driver, Ahmed Daghmush, and two young brothers, Hamza al-Deri, 10, and Fari, 8. Al-Wahidi was associated with Egypt’s relief arm in Gaza, which provides essential aid to Palestinians.

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It said the attack was aimed at a Hamas militant and that it was checking whether Daghmush was the target.

The Israeli military stated that al-Wahidi was not the intended target, asserting that the strike was aimed at a Hamas militant. They are reportedly investigating whether Daghmush was the actual target. However, Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, director of Shifa Hospital, identified Daghmush as a taxi driver with no known links to militant groups.

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he was a taxi driver without any known links to militant groups

Al-Wahidi was reportedly widely loved and known for his strong presence in community gatherings and for supporting those in need. His cousin described him as such. The committee al-Wahidi worked for is the relief arm of the Egyptian government. Since a ceasefire was reached in October, Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Gaza, resulting in at least 1,084 Palestinian deaths, according to the territory's health ministry.

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widely loved and had a strong presence at family and community gatherings