In 2025, a record 129 journalists were killed globally, with two-thirds of those fatalities linked to Israeli actions, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released a report revealing that 129 journalists were killed worldwide in 2025, marking the highest number since the organization began its investigations nearly three decades ago. Of these fatalities, 86 were attributed to actions by Israel, raising alarms about the safety of journalists in conflict zones and the need for more stringent preventive measures and thorough investigations. CPJ emphasizes the importance of protecting journalists as a fundamental aspect of safeguarding media freedom and democracy.
The report highlighted that the majority of journalist killings occurred in Gaza, where ongoing conflicts have severely impacted the safety of media professionals. Notable cases include the death of Mohammed Mansour, a correspondent for Asahi Shimbun, who was killed by an Israeli missile strike while at home in southern Gaza. Additionally, the use of drones in these killings has surged, with the number of drone-related journalist deaths rising from two in 2023 to 39 in 2024, predominantly in Gaza.
CPJ's executive director, Jodie Ginsburg, explicitly stated that attacks on the media often precede broader assaults on freedoms. She urged for greater efforts to prevent such killings and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. The ongoing violence against journalists in various conflict-ridden areas—including Ukraine, Sudan, and Mexico—also underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive response to protect those who seek to report the truth in dangerous settings.
