UPDATE: A shocking new report reveals that Israeli forces are responsible for nearly half of all journalist fatalities worldwide this year, with 29 Palestinian reporters killed in Gaza alone. The latest data from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) indicates that a total of 67 journalists lost their lives globally between December 2024 and November 2025, a slight rise from 66 in 2024.
This alarming figure underscores Israel’s status as the leading global killer of media workers for three consecutive years. According to RSF, Israel accounted for an astonishing 43 percent of journalist deaths, with the organization labeling its military as “the worst enemy of journalists.”
The deadliest incident occurred on 25 August, when a “double-tap” strike targeted a hospital in southern Gaza, leading to the tragic deaths of five journalists, including contributors to Reuters and the Associated Press. This incident highlights the extreme dangers faced by media professionals in conflict zones.
Since the outbreak of the October 2023 war in Gaza, which began following a Hamas attack on Israel, nearly 220 journalists have been killed, emphasizing the urgent need for safer conditions for reporting in war-torn areas.
Access to Gaza remains heavily restricted, with foreign journalists permitted only on controlled tours organized by the Israeli army. This limitation has sparked widespread calls for unrestricted press coverage, highlighting the crucial role of journalism in providing transparency during conflicts.
As the situation continues to evolve, RSF’s findings serve as a dire reminder of the risks faced by journalists worldwide. The international community must prioritize the protection of media workers and ensure their safety while performing their vital roles in society.
In the coming days, eyes will be on global leaders and organizations to see how they respond to these alarming statistics and what measures will be taken to improve the safety of journalists in conflict areas. The need for urgent action has never been more pronounced.
