Harare, (New Ziana) – Palestine is working to strengthen media ties between its news agencies and Zimbabwe’s official news agency, New Ziana, to ensure accurate reporting on the situation in Gaza and the broader Palestinian struggle, the country’s ambassador to Zimbabwe has said.
In an interview with New Ziana, Ambassador Dr. Tamer Almassri revealed that efforts were underway to revive a 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between New Ziana and Palestine’s Mehr News Agency (MNA). The agreement, signed by MNA Director General Reza Moghadasi and then-acting New Ziana CEO Rangarirai Shoko, had facilitated the exchange of news, photos, and videos between the two nations.
“We used to exchange news, stories, and pictures as two friendly countries and news agencies. Unfortunately, in the last few years, the cooperation disappeared—or disconnected—and our job now is to reactivate it,” said Almassri
The ambassador emphasized that renewed collaboration would allow New Ziana direct access to authentic Palestinian coverage, including first-hand images and reports from Gaza, without additional costs.
Almassri drew parallels between Zimbabwe and Palestine, both of which he said have faced negative Western narratives and illegal sanctions.
“These countries have their own narrative. They want to portray us as uncivilized, unequal, and troublemakers. But what’s happening in Palestine exposes their double standards,” he said.
He condemned nations supporting Israel’s military actions in Gaza, stating that those supplying weapons or political cover to Israel “cannot lecture anyone on human rights.”
The ambassador also criticized the United Nations’ structure, where a single veto can override overwhelming international consensus.
“Most countries support resolutions in favour of Palestine, but one veto can collapse them,” he said. Despite this, he acknowledged growing European opposition to Israel’s occupation, calling it a sign of progress.
Almassri stressed the importance of fair media representation in countering Western-dominated narratives. By reviving the New Ziana-MNA partnership, he hopes Zimbabwean audiences will receive unfiltered accounts of Palestine’s plight.
“Human lives are equal, no matter where they are. The world must see the truth,” he said
The move signals a push for stronger Global South media alliances amid ongoing geopolitical struggles.
