"The Land Owners": An Egyptian Series Sparks Controversy in Israel and Reveals Gaza Violations
The Egyptian series "The Land Owners" has sparked a wave of anger in the Israeli media after only the first two episodes aired, as the episodes discuss Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip in an impactful cinematic style that showcases human stories focusing on the suffering of children and Palestinian victims.
This work, which has garnered significant attention, has crossed the borders of Egypt and has been translated into English to reach a global audience, raising Israeli concerns about its impact on public opinion.
In a detailed report published by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, the series was criticized as being biased against Israel, with the report stating that "The Land Owners" presents the conflict in Gaza from a one-sided perspective and "fails to portray Israel in a positive light," accusing the series of attempting to present a political viewpoint that is a calculated step to improve Egypt's image in the region.
Some even went so far as to claim that the work is part of a political campaign by Cairo.
Israeli newspapers were quick to publish warnings, with "Yedioth Ahronoth" publishing a report before the series began airing in February 2026, warning that the topics it addresses could affect Israeli viewers.
The newspaper fears that the work will achieve millions of views, which could contribute to increasing global sympathy for the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, especially with its focus on bombings and the details of children's humanitarian suffering.
A source within the series confirmed that the goal was to highlight the human rights violations occurring in Gaza and to clarify the truth to the world by portraying some of the human stories experienced by the people of the region.
The source added that "The Land Owners" depicts part of those actions that "humanity rejects," and that it was necessary for the series to be shown to as many viewers as possible worldwide.
The series portrays a Palestinian man, played by Iyad Nassar, who tries to save his nephew amidst the horrors of the bombings, while Menna Shalaby plays an Egyptian doctor who comes with a rescue convoy, leading to a love story that emerges from the heart of tragedy.
From the very first moment of its airing, the series has sparked intense discussions, and the Israeli reaction was not surprising, especially given the content of the series that highlights the suffering in Gaza after the October 7 war.
Some see the work as a challenge to the stereotypes that are circulated about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
"The Land Owners" is not just a dramatic series; it has become a contentious issue in politics, culture, and media, making it one of the most followed works at present, and it may reshape some global perceptions regarding the conflict in Gaza.
