The Committee to Protect Journalists has released a stark report showing that 2025 was the deadliest year on record for journalists worldwide with 129 media workers killed while reporting on conflicts protests and crime. The watchdog says a shocking two thirds of these deaths were caused by Israeli forces primarily in Gaza marking the second year in a row that Israel accounted for the largest share of press fatalities.
The report highlights that most of the journalists killed were Palestinians covering protests airstrikes and military operations and CPJ notes that several others died in crossfire or targeted attacks elsewhere including in Afghanistan Mexico and parts of Africa where conflicts remain intense. Drone strikes live ammunition and shelling are cited as major causes of fatalities emphasizing the increasing dangers reporters face in modern combat zones.
CPJ calls on governments militaries and international organizations to investigate these deaths thoroughly and hold perpetrators accountable warning that without action press freedom and the safety of journalists will continue to deteriorate in war torn regions. The report underscores the growing risks journalists face in conflict areas as they strive to deliver news under extreme and often life threatening conditions and stresses the importance of protecting those who risk their lives to report the truth.
