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The Egyptian drama series “Ashab Al-Ard” has drawn significant attention from Israeli media following the launch of its promotional campaign, two weeks ahead of its release during the current Ramadan season.
Israel’s public broadcaster devoted a special segment of its program “Nightly News” to the series.
Arab affairs correspondent Anastasia Stukanov said the drama portrays the war in Gaza in a way that does not present Israel in a positive light, arguing that it reflects a one-sided perspective.
Israel’s Channel 12 also addressed the production, emphasizing that the decision to produce “Ashab Al-Ard” and broadcast it on Egypt’s state television is viewed in Israel as a calculated political step.
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the series features a large cast, including Adam Bakri, the son of Mohammad Bakri, director of the anti-Israel film “Jenin, Jenin.”
The newspaper noted that in the series’ promotional materials, Bakri is described as “the son of Jaffa” who has reached prominent positions in cinema and television.
Yedioth Ahronoth also predicted that tens of millions of viewers across the Arab world are expected to follow the series, including audiences inside Israel.
Produced by United Media Services, “Ashab Al-Ard” is being aired daily throughout Ramadan 2026 on the WATCH IT platform and on several Egyptian television channels.
The series’ rollout during the high-viewership Ramadan season has contributed to its broad regional exposure.
In the first Egyptian response to the Israeli criticism, Al Hayat channel said in a report Wednesday that the series has “clearly raised concerns within Israeli media circles.”
The report added that Israeli media outlets launched attacks and campaigns against the drama, describing it as “a threat to Tel Aviv’s image in the eyes of global public opinion.”
It also said Israeli media criticized Egypt’s official stance in support of the Palestinian cause, adding that “Ashab Al-Ard is a truth worth telling.”
The series portrays the humanitarian suffering endured by Palestinians under siege amid the war in the Gaza Strip following Oct. 7.
It presents detailed narratives from within unfolding events, highlighting the experiences of characters living under bombardment and widespread destruction.
The story centers on Karma, played by Tara Abboud, who faces a series of painful moments after the war separates her from her father, portrayed by Eyad Nassar.
Although he obtained a travel permit to the West Bank, he remained trapped inside the Gaza Strip.
The drama underscores the fragility of communication amid power outages and limited internet access.
Karma attempts to reassure herself through intermittent video calls that abruptly cut off after an airstrike hits the area where her father is staying, leaving her torn between concern for his safety and her responsibility to care for her two younger sisters.
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