Cairo, Egypt – A scene from the Egyptian series “Sahab Al-Ard” (Companions of the Earth) has resonated deeply with a local doctor, confirming a real-life experience he had while providing medical aid in Gaza.
Dr. Mohamed Tawfik, an Egyptian ophthalmologist, revealed on Friday, February 20, 2026, that a depiction of actress Mona Shalaby’s character, Salma, bringing a ventilator into Gaza through the Rafah crossing, mirrored an event he personally lived through. Youm7 reports that Dr. Tawfik was part of an Egyptian medical delegation entering the Gaza Strip when he requested permission to bring the vital equipment across the border.
According to Al Arabiya, the Egyptian officer on duty granted his request, a decision Dr. Tawfik credits with enabling him to perform crucial retinal surgeries for an entire year within Gaza. The doctor expressed his gratitude to the unnamed officer, stating that the approval directly contributed to saving the sight of numerous Palestinian patients.
“I was entering with the retinal device and asked the Egyptian officer to allow me to bring it in, and he literally responded to my request,” Dr. Tawfik explained in a video statement. “I don’t know the Egyptian officer, but I thank him very much, and every operation I performed in Gaza for retinal patients is in his good deeds.”
The series, “Sahab Al-Ard,” focuses on the humanitarian situation in Gaza following the events of October 7th. Daily8 notes that the show features Eyad Nassar as a Palestinian man desperately trying to save his nephew amidst the ongoing conflict, while Mona Shalaby portrays an Egyptian doctor providing assistance.
The authenticity of the scene has also sparked discussion, with a Palestinian activist noting the series accurately reflects the realities faced by residents of Gaza, as reported by Al Jazeera. The show’s portrayal of the struggles within Gaza’s hospitals, including the dire issue of hunger, has also been highlighted.
