Aid Worker Bringing World Cup to Thousands in Gaza Killed in Israeli Airstrike: 'He Wanted People to Be Happy'

A humanitarian aid worker who brought the World Cup to thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza has been killed in an Israeli airstrike. Muhammad al-Wahidi, who worked with the Egyptian Relief Committee, provided large screens for Palestinians to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches together, despite the war. Al-Wahidi was killed in an airstrike on a taxi in Gaza's Sabra neighborhood. Two children and another person in the taxi were also killed in the attack. The 57-year-old was known for his humanitarian work and efforts to boost the morale of the community. His son said that his father tried to bring hope to people living in the midst of war and that watching the matches brought them happiness. Al-Wahidi's funeral was attended by hundreds, and his body was wrapped in Palestinian and Egyptian flags. His neighbors and relatives paid their respects to his family. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 1,092 Palestinians have been killed and 3,507 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since the ceasefire began in October 2025. The ministry also stated that the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 2023 has exceeded 73,000.