In recent hours, social media users in the Arab world have been expressing their concern with the question, "Where did Aboud go?" Those asking are fearful of receiving shocking news about the fate of the Palestinian boy, Abdul Rahman Battaah. The 17-year-old has gained widespread fame for relaying the situation in Gaza through audio and video in a distinctive manner that incorporates humor, earning him the title of the best "child reporter."
Aboud has managed to convey a vivid daily account of the suffering of the people in Gaza under Israeli bombardment using simple tools: just a phone and a microphone. His followers eagerly anticipate his daily messages. Commenters on his Instagram page collectively agree that, besides being informed about the situation, they draw hope from his steadfastness, smile, and sense of humor.
Aboud created his page on January 21 of last year, and since that date, there had only been a single post accompanied by a photo of him, which almost no one paid attention to. However, following the outbreak of the Israeli war on Gaza, Aboud began filming his humorous videos depicting the conditions in Gaza, starting specifically on October 8 last month. His phrases have become etched in the minds of his followers, particularly the line "The situation is ice coffee to the extreme," which he routinely uses to conclude his news messages from Gaza.
Followers have expressed their admiration for his ability to remain steady and unshaken while the bombings are loudly heard in the videos he presents, as if he is challenging the missiles and bombs. "Welcome from the Global Studio... Studio Aboud," he said in one of his messages, describing the roof of their home located in northern Gaza between Beit Lahiya and Jebalya, which he has frequently used as a filming site. He affirmed that this is his place and that he will not leave it for anyone, despite stating that all the neighboring houses have been bombed and only they remain.
