In 2024, a record 124 journalists were killed worldwide, with nearly 70% of these deaths linked to Israeli military actions, marking the deadliest year for the press since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began tracking such data over three decades ago.
According to a CPJ report, the Israel-Gaza conflict was particularly lethal for media professionals, accounting for 85 journalist fatalities. The Israeli military has faced accusations of attempting to stifle investigations into these incidents and shifting blame onto journalists. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces stated that insufficient information was provided regarding the alleged incidents, asserting that they have never deliberately targeted journalists.
Beyond the Middle East, countries such as Sudan and Pakistan also reported significant numbers of journalist deaths in 2024. The CPJ documented a sharp increase in targeted killings, with at least 24 journalists murdered due to their work in nations including Haiti, Mexico, Myanmar, and Sudan. This alarming trend underscores a broader global decline in the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom.
The previous record for journalist fatalities was in 2007, with 113 deaths, nearly half of which occurred during the Iraq War. The significant rise in journalist killings in 2024 highlights the escalating dangers faced by media professionals worldwide. CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg emphasized, “Today is the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ’s history.”
As of early 2025, six journalists have already been killed, indicating that the threats to press freedom and the safety of media workers persist. The international community continues to call for greater accountability and protection measures to ensure the safety of journalists operating in conflict zones and areas with high political unrest.