Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Gaza to mourn the death of Mohammad Al-Waheidi, a veteran aid worker remembered for bringing moments of hope and unity to families living through months of conflict.
Al-Waheidi became widely known for organizing public FIFA World Cup screenings across Gaza, giving children and families a rare opportunity to come together and briefly escape the hardships of daily life.
According to local officials, Al-Waheidi was killed in an Israeli airstrike while traveling to a World Cup screening event. Three other people were also killed in the strike, including two children.
The Israeli military said the strike targeted a Hamas militant and stated that Al-Waheidi was not the intended target. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under close scrutiny.
His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across Gaza, with mourners describing him as a dedicated humanitarian who worked tirelessly to support local communities despite the dangers of the conflict.
Aid organizations say the incident underscores the risks faced by humanitarian workers operating in active conflict zones.
The tragedy comes as international efforts to secure a ceasefire continue, with growing calls for greater protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel.
As Gaza mourns the loss of a man remembered for bringing hope through football, concerns over civilian safety remain at the center of the ongoing conflict.
