NewsIsrael remained leading killer of journalists in 2025: RSFNearly half of the journalists killed globally this year were by Israeli forces in Gaza.
According to a report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Israel was identified as the leading country for journalist fatalities in 2025. The report indicates that Israeli military actions in Gaza resulted in the deaths of 29 Palestinian journalists.…
According to a report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Israel was identified as the leading country for journalist fatalities in 2025. The report indicates that Israeli military actions in Gaza resulted in the deaths of 29 Palestinian journalists. This marks the third consecutive year that Israel has been named the highest contributor to journalist fatalities by RSF.
Globally, 67 journalists were reported killed in 2025, an increase from 66 in 2024. Thibaut Bruttin, RSF’s director-general, attributed this rise to a lack of international protection for journalists in conflict zones and a global decline in government support for press freedom.
Mexico was ranked as the second most dangerous country for journalists, with nine fatalities reported. Ukraine and Sudan also remain perilous for media workers, with three and four journalist deaths, respectively, in 2025.
According to a report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Israel was identified as the leading country for journalist fatalities in 2025.
Additionally, RSF reported that China is the leading country in detaining journalists, with 121 reporters imprisoned. Russia and Myanmar follow with 48 and 47 jailed journalists, respectively. As of December 1, 2025, a total of 503 journalists were detained across 47 countries.
The report also highlighted that 135 journalists are currently missing in 37 countries, and 20 are being held hostage. Furthermore, the Israeli military has been responsible for 43% of the journalist fatalities over the past 12 months, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The most lethal incident involved a "double-tap" strike on a Gaza hospital on August 25, resulting in the deaths of five journalists, including Al Jazeera photographer Mohammad Salama.
Over the last 26 months, nearly 300 journalists and media workers have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza, averaging approximately 12 per month. Despite calls for open access from media and press freedom organizations, Israel maintains restrictions on foreign reporters entering Gaza, allowing only controlled tours organized by the military.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
