Israel responsible for most journalist killings in 2025 – report

A record 129 media workers lost their lives last year, most of them in Gaza, the Committee to Protect Journalists has found

A record 129 media workers were killed worldwide in 2025, marking the second consecutive annual high for such deaths, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has reported. The New York-based organization found that Israel was responsible for two-thirds of these killings, making the conflict in Gaza the deadliest for members of the press since CPJ began data collection in 1992.

According to a report released on Wednesday, Israeli fire killed 86 members of the press in 2025, more than 60% of them Palestinians reporting from Gaza. However, the deadliest single incident occurred in Yemen, where IDF airstrikes on two newspaper offices claimed the lives of 31 journalists and media workers.

Of the 47 killings CPJ classified as targeted murders – the highest number in a decade – Israel was allegedly responsible for 81%. The organization also noted that very few transparent investigations have been conducted and no one has been held accountable in any of these cases.

The IDF has “strongly” rejected the CPJ’s allegations, stating that it “does not intentionally harm journalists or their family members.” 

In a statement, the Israeli military said the report is “based on general allegations, data of unknown origin, and predetermined conclusions, without considering the complexity of combat or the IDF’s efforts to mitigate harm to non-combatants.”

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The findings come as Israeli actions in Gaza have been met with international condemnation, with West Jerusalem regularly facing accusations of war crimes and committing genocide against the Palestinian people. 

A UN Human Rights Office report released last week also raised concerns over “ethnic cleansing,” stating that intensified attacks and destruction of civilian infrastructure “appear aimed at a permanent displacement of Palestinians.” The report also detailed a “pervasive climate of impunity” for violations of international law.

Israel has denied the allegations, insisting it does not deliberately target civilians and that its operations have been aimed at eliminating Hamas militants.

The IDF began its Gaza campaign in October 2023 after Hamas attacked Israel, killing at least 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 72,000 people have been killed since the war began.