An Israeli strike in Gaza killed a senior Palestinian aid official who was involved in organising FIFA World Cup match screenings across the territory, shortly before the Argentina-Egypt clash, according to media reports.
The strike killed Mohamed al-Wahidi, an official with Egypt’s relief organisation in Gaza, turning what was expected to be a moment of celebration into another reminder of ongoing civilian casualties despite a ceasefire reached in October.
The Associated Press reported that the attack hit a vehicle in Gaza City’s Sabra neighbourhood on Tuesday evening. Dr Mohamed Abu Selmiya, director of Shifa Hospital, said the strike killed al-Wahidi and three others, including driver Ahmed Daghmush, 33, and two brothers — 10-year-old Hamza al-Deri and 8-year-old Fari.
The Israeli military said al-Wahidi was not the intended target of the strike, adding that the operation was aimed at a Hamas militant. The military said it was investigating whether Daghmush had been the target.
Dr Abu Selmiya said Daghmush was a taxi driver with no known links to militant groups.
Al-Wahidi worked with an aid committee affiliated with Egypt’s relief efforts in Gaza, which provides Palestinians with food, shelter and other humanitarian assistance.
The Guardian reported that the strike on Sabra took place around an hour before the Argentina-Egypt match began. Al-Wahidi’s cousin described him as “widely loved” and said he had a strong presence in family and community gatherings, where he was known for helping people in need.
Israel has continued carrying out strikes in Gaza since a US-brokered ceasefire with Hamas was agreed in October.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 1,084 Palestinians have been killed in the territory since the ceasefire came into effect.
