An approximate 1.5 billion individuals watched the World Cup final. Among them were dedicated fans who gathered near damaged structures in Gaza to view the match on large screens.
These supporters, standing amidst the ruins of their homes, rooted for Spain as they secured a 1-0 victory against Argentina in extra time. Their allegiance to the Spanish team stemmed from Spain’s backing of the enclave during conflicts involving Israel.
The installation of giant screens during the tournament provided a temporary escape for Gaza residents from their daily challenges. Numan Abdullah, a local resident who attended the viewing, expressed, “We united to show support for Spain due to their longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
The gathering also symbolized a call for peace and camaraderie with nations supporting Palestinians. Tragically, Mohammed al-Wahidi, an aid worker involved in organizing the screenings, lost his life in an Israeli airstrike earlier that month.
Al-Wahidi, aged 65, transitioned from being an English teacher to holding a senior position with the Egyptian Relief Committee in Gaza. His work with the Egypt-supported organization significantly contributed to humanitarian relief activities.
Known for his hands-on approach, Al-Wahidi was a familiar presence in shelters across the region, opting for fieldwork over office-based duties. As of late April, the UN documented the deaths of at least 593 aid workers since the conflict began, including eight post-ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ten months prior.
Aid workers facilitated the broadcast of World Cup matches to uplift spirits in the camps, particularly among young residents. The lineup included contentious games like Egypt’s 3-2 loss to Argentina.
The Israeli military launched an operation in Gaza following a significant Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages. Since then, Israeli attacks in Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 73,118 individuals, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory, figures corroborated by the UN.
