Israeli forces were behind one-third of the unnatural deaths of journalists worldwide in 2024, according to a report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The annual report highlights growing threats to press freedom and the alarming risks faced by journalists globally.
In 2024, 54 journalists lost their lives—the highest annual figure in five years. Conflict zones accounted for most of these deaths, with 18 journalists killed during Israeli military actions: 16 in Gaza and two in Lebanon. RSF asserts that at least 40 journalists worldwide, including those in Gaza, were deliberately targeted for their work.
Since October 2023, over 145 journalists have been killed in Gaza alone, with 35 reportedly targeted or killed by Israeli forces while on duty, according to RSF. The organisation has submitted four war crime complaints against Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over these incidents.
The report also names Israel as the third-largest jailer of journalists in 2024, further compounding concerns about press freedom.
RSF Director-General Thibaut Bruttin condemned the killings, stating: “Most of these reporters’ identities were easily verifiable, and their status should have offered them protection. Yet, they were killed in deliberate attacks by Israel, ignoring international conventions.”
Bruttin criticised the ongoing ban on foreign media entering Gaza, calling it a severe blow to press freedom. “In 2024, Gaza became the most dangerous place for journalists, where even the practice of journalism faces the threat of extinction,” he added.
In addition to the killings, the RSF report documented 550 journalists detained, 55 held hostage, and 95 reported missing this year, underscoring the perils faced by media professionals worldwide.
