Media practitioners from across Southern Africa recently concluded a two-day workshop designed to equip them with the necessary tools and perspectives to report more accurately on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The workshop, titled “An Introductory Course to the Palestinian Issue for Journalists in Southern Africa,” was jointly organized by Zimbabwe Palestine Newsroom Connect and the Palestine Media Forum.
Journalists representing Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia participated in the comprehensive training, which sought to challenge dominant narratives and promote more balanced coverage of a deeply complex and protracted issue. With media reporting often influenced by geopolitical interests and Western biases, the workshop aimed to foster a deeper, more contextually grounded understanding of the Palestinian story.
At the core of the training sessions was Dr. Habib Omar, a seasoned media strategist affiliated with the Palestine Media Forum in Turkey and a Research Fellow at the Asia Middle East Centre for Research and Dialogue in Malaysia. Dr. Omar guided the participants through a series of presentations that delved into the historical, political, and humanitarian dimensions of the conflict, stressing the pivotal role that journalists play in shaping public discourse.
In his keynote remarks, Dr. Omar urged media professionals to move beyond surface-level reporting and actively interrogate the historical injustices underpinning the conflict. “It is the responsibility of the media to question dominant narratives and present an accurate reflection of the Palestinian experience,” he stated. He emphasized that the conflict is often misconstrued as a religious dispute when, in fact, its roots lie in colonial dispossession, military occupation, and systemic discrimination.
He further called on journalists to investigate the underlying causes of the conflict rather than merely reporting on its visible outcomes. “This is not just about religion—it is about occupation, apartheid, and historical injustice,” Dr. Omar said, challenging attendees to confront uncomfortable truths often omitted from mainstream coverage.
The workshop explored a range of topics, including the historical origins of the conflict, relevant international laws and UN resolutions, and the psychological and social impact of living under occupation. Through detailed case studies and group discussions, participants examined past media coverage—highlighting both effective practices and harmful biases that contribute to misinformation and public misunderstanding.
One of the most impactful sessions focused on the human cost of the conflict. Dr. Omar spoke powerfully about the long-term suffering of Palestinians, emphasizing that “thousands of Palestinians, including children, journalists, doctors, and civilians, have lost their lives at the hands of Israeli forces in a war that has persisted for over 76 years.” This sobering message underscored the need for reporting that centers human dignity and amplifies marginalized voices.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in thought-provoking debates about journalistic ethics, the politics of language in conflict reporting, and the responsibilities of African media in global discourse. Many expressed a renewed sense of duty to produce reporting that is not only factually accurate but also socially conscious and historically informed.
As the sessions concluded, several journalists emphasized the value of such initiatives in strengthening independent journalism and encouraging regional solidarity. The collaboration between Zimbabwe Palestine Newsroom Connect and the Palestine Media Forum is set to continue, with plans for future capacity-building programs that will empower African journalists to cover international conflicts with clarity, empathy, and integrity.
In an era where misinformation can fuel division and obscure truth, the workshop served as a timely reminder of journalism’s power not just to inform, but to advocate for justice and human rights.