Arab News Japan

DUBAI: Awni Eldous, a 12-year-old Palestinian boy and ardent video gamer, was killed by an Israeli airstrike in October.

In the weeks since his death, social-media users have ensured that Eldous’ wish to have his YouTube channel reach 1 million subscribers has been granted. The channel currently has 1.26 million subscribers.

In August last year, Eldous — who was especially fond of racing games, shoot ’em ups, and football sims — posted a video thanking his fans for helping his channel reach 1,000 subscribers and explained his ultimate goal.

“I am Awni Eldous, a Palestinian from Gaza. I am 12 years old,” he said in the video. “The goal of this channel is to reach 100,000 subscribers. And 500,000, then 1 million, and — God willing — to reach 10 million subscribers with your support and love.”

In the comments section, many users have left heartfelt messages of condolences and asked for forgiveness for not helping Eldous achieve his goal while he was still alive.

More than 10,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October. At least 4,000 of those were children.