Two-Thirds by Israel
By Chris Williams
New York –
A heartbreaking record was set in 2025 with 129 journalists and media workers losing their lives while doing their jobs, and two-thirds of those deaths were caused by Israeli forces, according to a detailed annual report from the Committee to Protect Journalists released on 25 February 2026.
This marks the deadliest year for the press since the organisation began tracking such tragedies over three decades ago, shining a harsh light on the dangers faced by those who bring us the truth from conflict zones and beyond.
For families, colleagues, and audiences around the world, these losses are a stark reminder of how fragile press freedom can be, especially in places torn by war where reporters risk everything to share stories that matter.
The Grim Numbers: A Year of Unprecedented Loss
The Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent group that watches over attacks on the media, documented 129 killings in 2025—higher than any year since they started keeping records in 1992.
This is the second year in a row that the death toll has broken records, showing a worrying upward trend.
Out of those 129, a staggering 86 were linked to Israeli actions, making up two-thirds of the total. Most of these were Palestinian journalists working in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has made reporting extremely hazardous.
But the figure also includes 31 Yemeni media workers killed in a single Israeli air strike on a Houthi-run media centre, highlighting how strikes can wipe out entire teams in moments.
To put this in perspective, Israel was responsible for 81% of the killings that were deliberately targeted—meaning cases where evidence points to journalists being singled out on purpose, rather than caught in crossfire.
Other countries saw fewer but still tragic losses: Sudan had nine journalists killed amid its civil unrest, Mexico lost six in a mix of crime and corruption probes, and Russia accounted for four deaths linked to its invasion of Ukraine.
These numbers do not include unconfirmed cases or those still under review, so the real toll could be even higher.
For someone new to these reports, the Committee to Protect Journalists verifies each death by checking if the person was killed because of their work, like covering protests or wars, not personal reasons.
Why So Many Deaths? Conflicts and Impunity Fuel the Crisis
Armed conflicts around the world are at historic highs, and journalists often pay the price for being on the front lines.
In 2025, most killings happened in war zones, where reporters dodge bullets, bombs, and arrests just to tell the story. Israel stands out not just for the sheer number but for what experts call a pattern of targeting media workers.
Palestinian journalists in Gaza faced repeated air strikes on buildings marked as press offices, and some were hit while wearing clear “press” vests or helmets.
This has led to accusations of intentional attacks, though investigations are slow or nonexistent, creating what is described as entrenched impunity—a situation where those responsible face no consequences, encouraging more violence.
Impunity means killers get away with it, eroding trust and scaring others from reporting.
In Sudan, journalists died covering clashes between rival military groups, often targeted for exposing abuses. Mexico’s deaths tie to its ongoing battle with cartels, where reporters digging into corruption become targets.
Russia’s cases involve Ukrainian journalists killed in occupied areas, showing how invasions silence voices. Globally, over 300 journalists remain behind bars for the fifth year running, with Israel ranking as the third-worst offender in jailing media workers.
This mix of killings and imprisonments paints a picture of a world where truth-tellers are under siege, making it harder for the public to know what is really happening.
The Human Toll: Stories Behind the Statistics
These are not just numbers—they are people with families, dreams, and a passion for uncovering facts.
Take the Palestinian journalists in Gaza: Many were local reporters sharing daily hardships like food shortages or destroyed homes, only to become victims themselves.
One air strike alone claimed multiple lives, leaving newsrooms empty and communities without their trusted sources. In Yemen, the 31 killed in a single attack were everyday workers—cameramen, editors, and producers—whose deaths ripped through families and silenced a key outlet.
For survivors and colleagues, the pain is deep. Programmes to support them, like emergency funds for safety gear or training on risky assignments, are stretched thin.
The rise in deaths also means fewer stories get told, creating information blackouts in hot spots. Think about it: Without journalists, who reports on human rights abuses or corruption?
Their work keeps governments honest and helps aid reach those in need. In 2025, the spike in Ukraine and Sudan showed how escalating fights pull in more reporters, with deaths there jumping from previous years.
This global surge calls for stronger protections, like better laws against targeting media and faster probes into attacks.
Broader Impact on Press Freedom and Global Response
The 2025 figures have sparked calls for action from around the world. Leaders and groups are pushing for accountability, urging countries to investigate killings and release jailed journalists.
In places like Gaza, where access for international reporters is limited, local media bear the brunt, facing not just violence but also equipment shortages and internet blackouts. This makes their role even more vital—and dangerous.
On a positive note, some steps forward include training programmes that teach journalists how to stay safe in conflicts, like using drones for filming from afar or spotting fake news to avoid traps.
But with impunity so common, real change needs international pressure, such as sanctions or public shaming of offenders.
For everyday people, this affects us all: Reliable news helps us make informed choices, from voting to understanding global events. When journalists die, democracy suffers.
Looking Ahead: Hopes for Safer Reporting in 2026
As 2026 unfolds, the hope is for fewer tragedies. The Committee to Protect Journalists plans to keep tracking and advocating, working with governments to build safer environments.
Simple fixes, like marking press vehicles clearly or creating hotlines for threats, could save lives. But tackling root causes—like ending conflicts and holding killers accountable—is the real key.
In the end, these 129 lives lost in 2025 are a wake-up call. Journalists are not the enemy; they are our eyes and ears in tough places. Honouring them means supporting free press everywhere, ensuring their sacrifices lead to a world where truth can be told without fear.
As conflicts rage on, the bravery of those who keep reporting inspires us to demand better protections for the messengers who risk it all.
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