Hundreds of Palestinians gathered in Gaza to mourn Mohammad al-Waheidi, an aid worker remembered for bringing rare moments of happiness to families displaced by war by organising public screenings of World Cup matches.
Al-Waheidi, a senior Palestinian member of Egypt's main aid organisation operating in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli air strike on Tuesday when the taxi he was travelling in was hit in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to medics.
Three other people were also killed, including two siblings aged 10 and eight who were passing by when the strike occurred.
The attack came on the eve of Egypt's World Cup match against Argentina. Large crowds had gathered throughout the tournament to watch matches on giant outdoor screens, offering thousands of football fans a brief escape from the hardships of daily life in the Strip.
Al-Waheidi's son, Fawaz, said his father believed even small moments of normality could lift the spirits of people enduring war.
"My father worked hard to bring some entertainment to the people, to the displaced, to us and everyone who suffers in Gaza," he told Reuters.
"He tried to bring them the matches close to their tents and wrecked shelters."
Fawaz said working for the Egyptian aid organisation was demanding, but his father remained committed to helping families forced from their homes by the conflict.
Nearly all of Gaza's two million residents have been displaced, many several times, with most now living in tents or damaged buildings.
Responding to questions about the strike, the Israeli military said it had targeted a Hamas militant and was aware of reports that civilians had also been killed. It did not identify the alleged militant.
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said the fourth person killed was 30-year-old Ahmed Jehad Rajab Doghmosh, who was also inside the taxi. It remains unclear whether he was the driver or another passenger.
No Palestinian armed group has claimed any of those killed as members.
According to two Egyptian security sources, Al-Waheidi was responsible for logistics for Egypt's aid operation in Gaza, which serves as the Egyptian government's humanitarian arm in the territory.
The sources said a senior Egyptian official had raised Al-Waheidi's death with Israeli authorities, objecting to what they described as continued targeted killings and any interference with the committee's humanitarian work.
Al-Waheidi's body was wrapped in Palestinian and Egyptian flags during his funeral on Wednesday, where hundreds of mourners gathered before he was laid to rest. Friends, neighbours and colleagues visited his family home throughout the day to pay their respects.
His death comes as renewed ceasefire negotiations continue in Cairo.
Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya arrived in the Egyptian capital on Thursday for further talks aimed at advancing the next phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked over the implementation of the second stage of the deal, which includes the group's disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
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