Amid the remains of destroyed buildings in Gaza, hundreds of dedicated fans gathered around large screens to watch the World Cup final, with an estimated 1.5 billion viewers worldwide. The fans, showing strong support for Spain, cheered as the Spanish team secured a 1-0 victory against Argentina in extra time. The choice to back Spain was fueled by the country’s historical support for Gaza during conflicts with Israel.
The communal viewing experience, facilitated by giant screens set up during the tournament, provided a temporary escape from the daily struggles faced by residents in Gaza. Numan Abdullah, a local resident, highlighted the significance of coming together to support Spain, emphasizing the country’s longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Tragically, Mohammed al-Wahidi, a dedicated aid worker who helped organize the screenings, lost his life in an Israeli airstrike. Al-Wahidi, a former English teacher turned senior official with the Egyptian Relief Committee in Gaza, was known for his hands-on approach to humanitarian efforts, choosing to work directly in the field rather than from an office.
The World Cup screenings, arranged by aid workers, aimed to uplift spirits in Gaza, particularly among the youth living in shelters. The matches included the memorable 3-2 victory of Argentina over Egypt.
The Israeli military’s response to a significant attack by Hamas in southern Israel in October 2023 led to a campaign in Gaza resulting in casualties and hostages. Since then, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 73,118 individuals in Gaza, as reported by the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry—a figure recognized by the UN as reliable.
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