Mohammed al-Wahidi, a 65-year-old Palestinian aid worker, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Tuesday, sparking widespread grief. He was a senior official with the Egyptian Relief Committee in Gaza, coordinating humanitarian aid during the war.

An Israeli missile struck the taxi al-Wahidi was traveling in, killing him and three others, including two brothers aged 8 and 10. The Israeli military said it struck a Hamas operative and is investigating claims of civilian casualties.

Al-Wahidi, a former English teacher, had spent over two years coordinating emergency food aid, setting up camps for displaced families, and delivering supplies to repeatedly displaced communities. He was known for working in the field rather than from an office.

He became a familiar face in shelters across Gaza, regularly appearing at distribution points to speak with families. Volunteers described him as kind and dedicated.

Recently, al-Wahidi helped organize public screenings of World Cup matches in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and al-Mawasi, drawing large crowds to watch Egypt's games. The screenings offered a brief escape from war for families and children.

He was killed hours before Egypt's match against Argentina. Activist Mohammed Hmeid wrote: "He was not just an aid worker. He was a door to hope that opened every day for the displaced and those who lost everything."

His death highlights the risks for humanitarian workers in Gaza. The UN has recorded at least 593 aid worker deaths since the war began, including eight since the ceasefire 10 months ago.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk