• 2024 recorded the highest number of journalist fatalities, totaling 124 worldwide.
• Around 70% of these deaths were linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly in Gaza.
• The escalating violence against journalists highlights a troubling trend of increasing global conflict.
• Freelance journalists were disproportionately affected, making up a significant portion of the fatalities.

A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has revealed that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for journalists, with a staggering total of 124 media workers killed globally. This figure marks a significant increase compared to previous years, driven predominantly by violence in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The report highlights that approximately 70% of journalist fatalities can be attributed to actions taken during this ongoing conflict, with 82 journalists killed specifically in Gaza alone, alongside three in Lebanon. Notable countries contributing to the toll include Sudan, Pakistan, and Mexico, each with multiple cases of journalist deaths.

CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg emphasized that the figures illustrate a deepening vulnerability for journalists worldwide, stating, "Today is the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ’s history." The necessity for robust protections for journalists is underscored, as the report reveals a worrying trend of targeted killings: at least 24 journalists were deliberately killed in connection with their work in various nations, including targeted incidents registered in Haiti, Mexico, Myanmar, and Sudan. In the context of the Israel-Hamas war, the CPJ has flagged a total of at least ten journalist deaths as targeted, with investigations ongoing into 20 additional cases where similar motivations may be suspected.

The year 2024's death toll eclipses previous records, surpassing the earlier benchmark of 113 journalist fatalities documented back in 2007, during the height of the Iraq War. CPJ's evaluation indicated that of the total journalists killed, about two-thirds were Palestinians who lost their lives amid the conflict. This violence is not only limited to direct attacks; it extends to conditions that hamper investigatory efforts, where journalists are often obstructed from reporting effectively. Even amidst the ongoing war, foreign journalists face significant barriers to entry, with Israel largely restricting access, which places a greater burden on local freelance journalists to step in and cover the unfolding events.

Freelancers, many of whom have become vital sources of information in the absence of mainstream media coverage, form a considerable portion of the fatalities, with 31 freelancers killed in Gaza alone. The dangers they face are amplified due to their lack of resources and security support commonly available to staff reporters. The CPJ has recognized that the rising number of journalist deaths is paralleled by a global increase in armed conflicts, as professionals are subjected to greater risks in already precarious conditions. Moreover, the report points out the chilling effect that targeted killings have on journalistic freedom, resulting in fewer individuals willing to report on sensitive issues, ultimately depriving citizens of crucial information.

As the world grapples with these alarming trends, the CPJ continues its call for accountability and protection for journalists, noting that without actions to safeguard the press, the flow of vital information remains at risk. With the situation in conflict zones becoming increasingly lethal and dangerous, the CPJ emphasizes that preferential treatment and legal protection for journalists must be prioritized.

For more detailed information on this report, see the full article from HuffPost, VOA News, Reuters, and CBS News.