Egyptian Director Peter Mimi Responds to Israeli Military Spokesperson’s Criticism of Ramadan Series “Sahab Al-Ard”
Cairo, Egypt – February 25, 2026 – Egyptian director Peter Mimi has publicly responded to criticism leveled against his Ramadan series, “Sahab Al-Ard” (Companions of the Land), by Ella Wawia, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Wawia accused the series of distorting facts and inciting against Israel in its depiction of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The exchange highlights the sensitive and often contentious intersection of art and political realities in the region, particularly as narratives surrounding the conflict continue to evolve and spark debate.
Mimi’s response, posted on his Facebook account, was direct, and pointed. According to reports from multiple Egyptian news outlets, including Youm7 and Al-Masry Al-Youm, Mimi stated, “What distortion of facts are you talking about? The videos are there.” He further added, with a touch of sarcasm, “I searched everywhere to find an actress who looks like you,” concluding with a message of solidarity: “And victory to every oppressed person.” This retort underscores the director’s firm stance in defending his artistic vision and the series’ portrayal of events.
The Controversy Surrounding “Sahab Al-Ard”
“Sahab Al-Ard” has quickly become a focal point of discussion during the 2026 Ramadan season. The series aims to depict the humanitarian situation in Gaza following the events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent military operations. It features a cast of prominent Egyptian and Arab actors, including Iyad Nassar and Mona Shalaby, and portrays the experiences of Palestinians and aid workers amidst the devastation. The series has been praised by some for its realistic portrayal of the conflict, while others, like Wawia, have accused it of bias and misinformation.
Wawia, in a video posted on her Instagram account, claimed that the series was a form of “brainwashing” and “incitement,” alleging that it deliberately misrepresented events to portray Israel as the aggressor and Palestinians as victims. She argued that art should be “clean” and truthful, and accused the series of historical falsification. Her statements, as reported by Shorouk News, sparked a wave of reactions online, with many defending the series as a legitimate artistic expression and a reflection of the realities on the ground. The IDF spokesperson’s criticism has brought increased attention to the series, both positive and negative, amplifying the debate surrounding its narrative.
Details of the Series and its Broadcast Schedule
“Sahab Al-Ard” is a 15-episode series airing daily throughout Ramadan 2026. We see broadcast on several Egyptian channels, including DMC, DMC Drama, and Al Hayat, with varying broadcast times. The series is also available on the streaming platform Watch It. The widespread availability of the series across multiple platforms has contributed to its popularity and reach, making it a central topic of conversation during the holy month. According to broadcast schedules, the series airs on DMC at 11:00 PM, with a repeat broadcast at 9:00 AM. On DMC Drama, it airs at 7:15 PM, with repeats at 2:45 AM and 12:45 PM the following day. Al Hayat broadcasts the series at 9:45 PM, and Watch It streams it at 7:15 PM.
The storyline of “Sahab Al-Ard” centers around the human cost of the conflict in Gaza. Iyad Nassar plays a Palestinian man desperately trying to save his nephew amidst the ongoing bombardment, while Mona Shalaby portrays an Egyptian doctor who joins a relief convoy to provide medical assistance. The series explores themes of love, hope, and conscience against the backdrop of war and destruction. The narrative aims to highlight the resilience of the Palestinian people and the challenges faced by those providing humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
The Cast and Production Team
“Sahab Al-Ard” boasts a star-studded cast, including Iyad Nassar, Mona Shalaby, Kamal El-Basha, Adam Bakri, Essam Al-Sakka, Tara Aboud, Sarah Youssef, Iyad Hourani, Diana Rahmeh, and rising star Yazan Eid. The series is directed by Peter Mimi, with a script written by Ammar Sabry and developed by Mohamed Hisham Abiya. It is produced by United Studio, a leading Egyptian production company. The involvement of such a talented cast and experienced production team has contributed to the series’ high production quality and its ability to resonate with audiences.
The series’ production team has emphasized their commitment to portraying the events in Gaza with sensitivity and accuracy. While acknowledging the inherent challenges of representing a complex and emotionally charged conflict, they have strived to create a narrative that reflects the human experiences of those affected by the war. The series’ focus on individual stories and the resilience of the human spirit has been praised by many viewers and critics.
The Broader Context of Artistic Expression and Political Conflict
The controversy surrounding “Sahab Al-Ard” is not an isolated incident. Throughout history, artistic works have often been at the center of political debates, particularly in regions experiencing conflict. The power of art to shape public opinion, challenge dominant narratives, and evoke empathy makes it a potent force in times of crisis. The exchange between Peter Mimi and Ella Wawia exemplifies this dynamic, highlighting the tensions between artistic freedom and political considerations.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in particular, has been a recurring theme in art, literature, and film. Numerous works have sought to portray the experiences of both Israelis and Palestinians, often sparking controversy and debate. The series’ depiction of the situation in Gaza, and its focus on the humanitarian impact of the conflict, has clearly struck a nerve with some, leading to accusations of bias and misinformation. However, supporters of the series argue that it is a necessary and important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Egyptian director Peter Mimi responded to criticism from an IDF spokesperson regarding his Ramadan series, “Sahab Al-Ard.”
- The series has sparked debate due to its portrayal of the conflict in Gaza and its depiction of the humanitarian situation.
- “Sahab Al-Ard” is a widely broadcast series available on multiple Egyptian channels and the Watch It streaming platform.
- The controversy highlights the intersection of art, politics, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As Ramadan progresses, “Sahab Al-Ard” is expected to continue to generate discussion and debate. The series’ impact on public opinion and its contribution to the broader conversation about the conflict remain to be seen. Further developments regarding the series and the reactions it elicits will likely emerge as the month unfolds. Viewers can stay updated on the series’ broadcast schedule and related news through the official channels of DMC, DMC Drama, Al Hayat, and Watch It.
What are your thoughts on the series and the controversy surrounding it? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.