During the 2026 Ramadan season, the Egyptian drama 'Sohab Al Ard' became a cultural and media phenomenon documenting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Produced by United Media Services, the series captivated millions of Arab viewers with its depiction of Palestinian suffering but provoked intense reactions in Israel, where it was viewed as a challenge to the Israeli narrative.
The series tells the story of Nasser, a Palestinian man who loses his brothers in an Israeli airstrike and takes responsibility for his injured nephew Younes as they navigate a besieged Gaza. It highlights resilience amid hardship, focusing on the human cost of war, including injured children, families holding onto their land, and volunteers risking their lives to deliver aid. The show premiered against the backdrop of what has been described as a genocide committed by Israel since October 7, 2023.
In Israel, official media outlets and military spokespeople launched a campaign to discredit the series, accusing it of historical distortion and 'brainwashing.' Israeli military spokesperson Ella Waweya condemned the drama as a deliberate manipulation of facts, accusing it of turning perpetrators into victims and distorting the conflict's reality. National media like Yedioth Ahronoth and Haaretz expressed concern that it could shape global public opinion, calling it a 'soft weapon' in the narrative battle. Public broadcaster Channel 12 accused Egyptian state television of using the series to advance political goals in Cairo's diplomatic efforts.
Responding to the accusations, director Peter Mimi posted a sarcastic image of the actress playing an Israeli officer, commenting that the footage was real. Actor Eyad Nassar, who portrays Nasser, called the series 'a documentary of truth' reflecting real Palestinian experiences and an expression of Egyptian 'soft power' supporting the Palestinian cause. Screenplay supervisor Mohamed Hisham Obeya emphasized its focus on humanity over overt politics, making its message of suffering and resistance universal.
In Egypt, the Israeli backlash was viewed as proof of the show's impact. Broadcaster Ahmed Moussa stated that the reactions showed the series had become a 'real pain point' for the Israeli establishment. It received widespread acclaim in the Arab world, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, where it was described as a 'mirror' of Palestinians' daily struggles. Western media has started examining how such productions challenge the dominance of the Israeli narrative in international coverage. Despite Israel's discrediting campaign, the series continues to grow in viewership.
