The Egyptian drama series “The Landowners” (Sahab Al-Ard), currently airing during Ramadan 2026, is sparking controversy, drawing criticism from an official spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces. Director Peter Mimi has responded directly to the accusations leveled against the show, which depicts the realities faced by Palestinians following the events of October 7th.
The series has been praised for portraying the experiences of Palestinians amidst conflict, including the destruction of hospitals and the displacement of communities. The criticism from the Israeli army spokesperson, Ayala Waweya, centered on claims that the series distorts facts and promotes misinformation. Mimi’s response, posted on his Facebook account, was pointed and direct, highlighting the availability of evidence supporting the show’s depiction of events.
“What facts are being falsified? The videos are there,” Mimi wrote, according to reports from Al-Masry Al-Youm and Shorouk News. He added a playful jab at Waweya, stating, “I searched everywhere to find an actress who looks like you,” concluding with a message of solidarity: “Victory to every oppressed person.”
Waweya, the official spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces to Arab media, released a video on Instagram alleging that “The Landowners” is not a drama but a “falsification of history and a deliberate distortion of the truth,” as reported by Ahram Gate. She accused the series of attempting to portray victims as perpetrators and vice versa, claiming it was a form of incitement.
The Controversy Surrounding “The Landowners”
The series has garnered attention for depicting events following the October 7th attacks, including the alleged role of individuals within the Israeli military in retaliatory actions in Gaza. Mimi revealed that a character in the series, “Ella Waweya,” is based on a real person within the Israeli army, specifically identifying her as the individual responsible for authorizing the bombing of Al-Wadiyan Hospital in Gaza, reportedly in response to the death of an Israeli soldier. This claim, as reported by Al-Masry Al-Youm, directly prompted Waweya’s public response.
“The Landowners” stars Eyad Nassar as a Palestinian man desperately trying to save his nephew amidst the ongoing conflict, and Mona Shalaby as an Egyptian doctor with a rescue convoy. The narrative explores themes of love, hope, and conscience within the context of war, as detailed by Al-Rai News.
Broadcast Schedule and Cast
The series airs daily throughout Ramadan 2026 on DMC at 11:00 PM, with a repeat broadcast at 9:00 AM. It is as well shown on DMC Drama at 7:15 PM, with subsequent rebroadcasts, and on Al Hayat channel at 9:45 PM. Viewers can also stream the series on the Watch It platform at 7:15 PM.
The cast includes Eyad Nassar, Mona Shalaby, Kamal El-Basha, Adam Bakri, Essam Al-Sakka, Tara Aboud, Sarah Youssef, Iyad Hourani, Diana Rahma, and rising star Yazan Eid, alongside child actor Samir Mohamed. The series is directed by Peter Mimi and produced by United Studio, with a script by Ammar Sobri and Mohamed Hisham Abeya.
As “The Landowners” continues to air, the debate surrounding its portrayal of the conflict is likely to intensify. The direct response from Peter Mimi underscores the show’s willingness to confront difficult realities and challenge established narratives. The series’ impact on public discourse and its reception within both regional and international audiences will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
What comes next for “The Landowners” remains to be seen, but the controversy has undoubtedly amplified its reach and sparked vital conversations about representation and storytelling in the context of ongoing conflict. Share your thoughts on the series and the debate it has ignited in the comments below.
