Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza shortly before game begins fifa world cup A Palestinian aid official who helped organize public screenings of the game across the enclave was killed during the last-16 match between Egypt and Argentina, according to the Associated Press.The strike comes ahead of what is expected to be a big moment for fans in Gaza, with many gathering to watch Egypt take on reigning champions Argentina.The attack hit a car near Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood at dusk on Tuesday, the Associated Press quoted Dr. Mohammed Abu Selmiya, director of Shifa Hospital, as saying.The victims included Gaza Egyptian Council official Mohammed Wahidi, 10-year-old Hamza Al Deri, his 8-year-old brother Fari Al Deri, and the car driver, 33-year-old Ahmed Dahmush.The Israeli military said Vahidi was not the intended target. The attack was said to have targeted a Hamas militant, and investigations are ongoing into whether Dagmoush was the intended target.Abu Selmiya said Dagmoush was a taxi driver and was not known to have any ties to any armed group.The Israeli military also said that another attack occurred in the same street about 30 minutes ago, but it caused no casualties.The Egyptian Committee for which Wahidi works is the Egyptian government’s relief agency. It provides food, shelter and other assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. The committee also organizes public screenings of World Cup matches throughout Hong Kong.During the match, support for the Egyptian football team increased in Gaza. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has repeatedly spoken about the situation of the Palestinians, dedicating his team’s victory over Australia to Egyptians and Palestinians and waving the Palestinian flag after the game.Ahead of Tuesday’s game against Argentina, Hassan again called on the international community to support the Palestinians.“I urge you, I urge all media officials, all athletes around the world, no matter who they are, that maybe we can send a collective message: let the Palestinian people survive, let them exist, let them live their lives,” he said.Gaza’s health ministry said the death toll from the war between Israel and Hamas has reached 73,098. The ministry, which operates under the Hamas-led government, does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its head count but said about half of those killed were women and children.The war began on October 7, 2023, when militants led by Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 people hostage.
