(NewsNation) — In 2024, more journalists were killed than in any year in which numbers were kept by the Committee to Protect Journalists, with Israel responsible for nearly 70% of the deaths.
At least 124 journalists died across 18 countries, marking the deadliest year for reporters since CPJ, a nonprofit group that promotes press freedom, began tracking such data more than 30 years ago.
The report highlighted that the Israel-Gaza war accounted for the deaths of 85 journalists due to the actions of the Israel Defense Forces. CPJ accused Israel of attempting to suppress investigations into these incidents, shifting blame onto journalists and failing to hold those responsible accountable.
The IDF told Reuters it could not verify the alleged incidents because not enough information was provided, adding that it takes steps to minimize harm to journalists and civilians.
“The IDF has never, and will never, deliberately target journalists,” the Israeli military said.
The number of journalists and media worker deaths in 2024 was notably higher than in recent years, with 102 killed in 2023 and 69 in 2022. The previous record high deaths was in 2007, with 113 killed, many due to the Iraq war.
Sudan and Pakistan had the second-highest number of journalists killed last year, CPJ said.
Jodie Ginsberg, CPJ’s CEO, called 2024 the “most dangerous time” in history for journalists.
“The war in Gaza is unprecedented in its impact on journalists and demonstrates a major deterioration in global norms on protecting journalists in conflict zones, but it is far from the only place journalists are in danger,” Ginsberg said.
The report also noted an increase in “targeted killings,” with at least 24 journalists deliberately killed because of their work in places like Haiti, Mexico, Myanmar and Sudan. CPJ identified at least 10 cases where Israel may have specifically targeted journalists and is investigating 20 more incidents.
So far this year, CPJ has documented the killings of six journalists.