Wed Feb 12 18:30:15 UTC 2025: ## Record Number of Journalists Killed in 2024, Israel Accused of Majority of Deaths

**NEW YORK** – A shocking report released by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reveals that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for journalists, with at least 124 killed in 18 countries. The CPJ specifically blames Israel for a staggering 70% of these deaths, linking the majority to the Israel-Gaza war.

The CPJ statement alleges that the Israeli military is responsible for the deaths of 85 journalists, accusing them of attempting to obstruct investigations, shift blame, and disregard their responsibility to hold perpetrators accountable. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) responded that insufficient information was provided to verify the claims and reiterated that they would never deliberately target journalists.

While the Israel-Gaza conflict accounts for a significant portion of the casualties, the report highlights a broader trend of escalating violence against journalists globally. Sudan and Pakistan experienced the second-highest number of journalist deaths in 2024. The CPJ documented at least 24 targeted killings of journalists last year, including in Haiti, Mexico, Myanmar, and Sudan, with at least 10 specifically attributed to Israel. The organization is currently investigating a further 20 cases where Israeli involvement is suspected.

The CPJ CEO, Jodie Ginsberg, declared that “today is the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ’s history.” The surge in deaths surpasses previous record highs, including the 113 journalist deaths recorded in 2007.

The report underscores the devastating impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlighting a significant deterioration in the protection of journalists in conflict zones. The escalating violence comes in the wake of Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli retaliation, which has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties on both sides. The CPJ notes that at least six journalists have already been killed in 2025.

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