According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 2025 witnessed the tragic loss of 129 journalists worldwide, making it the second year in a row with the highest number of media fatalities. The New York-based organization stated that Israel was responsible for two-thirds of these deaths, marking the ongoing conflict in Gaza as the deadliest for press members since data collection began in 1992.
A report released on Wednesday revealed that Israeli forces’ actions led to the deaths of 86 journalists in 2025, with over 60% of them being Palestinian reporters covering Gaza. However, the deadliest incident occurred in Yemen, where Israeli airstrikes on two newspaper offices claimed the lives of 31 journalists and media workers.Among the 47 fatalities classified as targeted killings by the Committee to Protect Journalists—representing the highest number in a decade—Israel was deemed responsible for 81% of these cases. The organization also noted a lack of transparent investigations into these incidents with no accountability for those responsible.
The Israeli military strongly rejected the Committee’s allegations asserting that it does not intentionally harm journalists or their families. In a statement the military claimed that the report was based on unverified claims and predetermined conclusions disregarding the complexities of combat and the army’s efforts to minimize civilian harm.
These findings emerge amid international condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza as Western Jerusalem faces ongoing accusations of war crimes and genocide against the Palestinian people. A report from the United Nations Human Rights Office released last week raised concerns about “ethnic cleansing” stating that intensified attacks and destruction of civilian infrastructure appear aimed at the permanent displacement of Palestinians. The report also highlighted a widespread climate of impunity for violations of international law.
Israel has denied these accusations emphasizing that it does not deliberately target civilians asserting that its operations aim to eliminate Hamas members. The Israeli military commenced its campaign in Gaza in October 2023. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health over 72000 individuals have died since the onset of the conflict.
