During the 2026 Ramadan season, the Egyptian drama “Sohab Al Ard” became more than just a television series; it evolved into a cultural and media phenomenon that documented the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Premiering amidst the backdrop of the genocide committed by Israel since October 7, 2023, the series not only captivated millions of Arab viewers with its portrayal of Palestinian suffering but also stirred intense reactions in Israel, where the drama was seen as a direct challenge to the Israeli narrative.
Produced by United Media Services, “Sohab Al Ard” goes far beyond typical entertainment. It brings to life the story of Nasser, a Palestinian man who loses his brothers in an Israeli airstrike and assumes responsibility for his injured nephew, Younes, as they navigate a Gaza under siege. Through its unflinching portrayal of life amidst devastation, the series emphasizes resilience in the face of overwhelming hardship, focusing on the human cost of war: injured children, families clinging to their land, and volunteers risking their lives to provide aid.
The series quickly became a point of contention within Israel. Official Israeli media outlets and military spokespeople launched a campaign to discredit Sohab Al Ard, accusing it of historical distortion and “brainwashing.” Ella Waweya, an Israeli military spokesperson, condemned the drama as a deliberate manipulation of facts, accusing it of turning perpetrators into victims and distorting the reality of the conflict.
Israeli national media, including Yedioth Ahronoth and Haaretz, expressed concern that the series might shape global public opinion, warning it was a “soft weapon” in the battle for narratives. Public broadcaster Channel 12 even accused Egyptian state television of using the series to advance political objectives in Cairo’s diplomatic efforts. Yet despite this pushback, the creators of “Sohab Al Ard” stood firm, responding defiantly to the criticisms.
Director Peter Mimi, reacting to accusations of falsification, responded with sarcasm, posting a picture of the actress portraying an Israeli officer in the show and commenting that the footage was real. Actor Eyad Nassar, who plays Nasser, described the series as “a documentary of truth” that reflects the real-life experiences of Palestinians. For Nassar, “Sohab Al Ard” is more than fiction; it’s an expression of Egyptian “soft power” supporting the Palestinian cause.
Screenplay supervisor Mohamed Hisham Obeya emphasized the series’ focus on humanity, rather than overt political positioning. He argued that its universal message of suffering and resistance transcended politics and resonated with audiences across the Arab world, including inside Gaza itself.
In Egypt, the backlash from Israel was seen as a testament to the show’s impact. Egyptian media outlets and talk shows framed the criticism as evidence of the series’ success in challenging Israel’s image on the global stage. Broadcaster Ahmed Moussa argued that the reactions from Israel proved the series had become a “real pain point” for the Israeli establishment.
“Sohab Al Ard” represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Egyptian drama as a tool for global awareness. Egyptian productions have long tackled sensitive political issues, but this series stands out for its synchronicity with ongoing events, drawing inspiration from real-life footage shared on social media. Its authenticity, amplified by the global media attention, makes the Israeli backlash appear as an attempt to silence uncomfortable truths.
The series garnered widespread acclaim in the Arab world, especially in Gaza and the West Bank, where it was described as a “mirror” reflecting the everyday struggles of Palestinians. Western media outlets have also begun to explore how such productions challenge the dominance of the Israeli narrative in international coverage.
Despite Israel’s campaign to discredit “Sohab Al Ard”, the series continues to grow in viewership, proving that powerful art, rooted in truth, has the ability to shape global opinion. In the battle for narratives, “Sohab Al Ard” asserts that Gaza belongs to its people, and their story–through resilience, truth, and art–will not be silenced.
