Gaza mourns aid official who turned war zones into football arenas

For thousands of displaced Gazans, al-Waheidi was a rare source of relief, organizing large-screen World Cup viewings amidst the ruins of the enclave. His son, Fawaz, recalled his father’s relentless efforts to bring entertainment to families sheltering in tents and damaged buildings, viewing it as a necessary respite from the ongoing conflict. The strike occurred on Tuesday, just before an Egypt-Argentina match, leaving a community that views Egypt as a vital strategic partner in deep mourning. During Wednesday’s funeral, mourners wrapped his body in both Palestinian and Egyptian flags.

The Israeli military maintains it struck a Hamas militant, though it has provided no identity for the target and has not addressed the civilian casualties. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights identified the fourth victim in the vehicle as 30-year-old Ahmed Jehad Rajab Doghmosh. No militant group has claimed any of those killed as their own. Tensions remain high as Egyptian officials have formally challenged the strike with Israel, protesting the ongoing policy of targeted assassinations that continues to complicate aid operations and diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.