A staggering 124 journalists were killed worldwide in 2024, marking the deadliest year for media workers since records began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The report indicates that Israel was responsible for about 70% of these deaths, primarily in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

The report indicates that this unprecedented violence is largely attributed to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, where 82 journalists died, along with three more fatalities in Lebanon. This stark number surpasses the previous record from 2007 when 113 journalists were killed, amid the Iraq War.

“Today is the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ’s history,” declared CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg. The report highlights how the Israel-Hamas war has not only endangered local journalists but has also created an environment of fear, silencing those who attempt to report from the ground.

The CPJ stated, “The number of conflicts worldwide – whether political, criminal, or military – has doubled in recent years,” reflecting a broader trend in attacks against journalists in conflict zones including Sudan, Pakistan, and Mexico, which reported fatalities as well.

Freelance journalists were particularly vulnerable, accounting for over one-third of the total deaths this year. The report revealed that 31 Palestinian freelancers were killed while covering the unfolding conflict in Gaza, often working without the support and resources that full-time staff reporters have.

In addition to the fatalities, the CPJ has documented 24 targeted killings of journalists, indicating a troubling rise in deliberate attacks. This included instances where journalists were killed outright due to their work in various regions around the world.

Despite international condemnation, Israel has denied allegations of intentionally targeting journalists, stating that it aims its military actions solely at legitimate military objectives. However, many advocacy groups argue that these statements contradict the reality on the ground.

The CPJ urges a reevaluation of practices regarding media freedom and safety in conflict zones. Lack of accountability for attacks on journalists contributes to a widespread culture of impunity that further jeopardizes the safety of press workers globally. “The conditions can grow more lethal for the press when those who kill journalists are not held to account,” the report concludes.

The deaths of journalists not only reflect the urgent need for protective measures but also indicate the increasing hostility towards media professionals attempting to report on conflicts that continue to escalate.