Thu Jan 01 01:25:31 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:

Summary:

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reports a significant increase in journalist deaths worldwide in 2025, with 128 killed, more than half in the Middle East, particularly in the Palestinian territories due to the conflict in Gaza. The IFJ also highlights a concerning rise in the number of journalists imprisoned globally, with China topping the list as the worst jailer. The IFJ expresses alarm over the lack of justice for these attacks and uses a different counting method than other organizations like Reporters Without Borders and UNESCO.

News Article:

Global Journalist Deaths Surge in 2025, IFJ Reports

Brussels, Belgium – January 1, 2026 – The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) released a grim report today indicating a sharp rise in journalist fatalities worldwide during 2025. According to the IFJ, 128 journalists were killed, a significant increase compared to the previous year.

The Middle East was identified as the deadliest region, accounting for over half of the deaths. The ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territories, specifically the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, contributed heavily to the high toll, with 56 media professionals killed in the region, a number described as unprecedented by IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger. Deaths were also reported in Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan, Peru, India, and other locations.

The IFJ condemned the “impunity” surrounding these killings, warning that a lack of justice emboldens those who target journalists.

In addition to the alarming death toll, the IFJ highlighted a concerning trend of increasing journalist imprisonment. Currently, 533 journalists are behind bars globally, more than double the figure from five years ago. China remains the worst offender, with 143 journalists imprisoned, including those in Hong Kong, where national security laws have been criticized for suppressing dissent.

While other organizations like Reporters Without Borders and UNESCO report lower numbers of journalist deaths due to differing counting methods, the IFJ’s report paints a disturbing picture of escalating dangers faced by media professionals worldwide.

Read More