‘Israel’ killed highest number of journalists again this year: Reporters Without Borders

• RSF reports 67 journalists killed worldwide in 2025, with ‘Israeli’ forces responsible for 43% of deaths, mostly in Gaza.

A new annual report by Paris-based media freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) revealed that 67 journalists were killed worldwide in 2025, a slight increase from 66 in 2024.

The report identifies ‘Israeli’ forces as responsible for 43 percent of these deaths, labeling them as the “worst enemy of journalists” over the past year.

The deadliest single attack occurred on August 25, 2025, when a so-called “double-tap” strike hit a hospital in southern Gaza, killing five journalists, including contributors from Reuters and The Associated Press.

Since the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza in October 2023, nearly 220 journalists have died, making ‘Israel’ the largest killer of journalists worldwide for three consecutive years, according to RSF.

Foreign reporters remain largely barred from Gaza, except on tightly controlled tours organized by the ‘Israeli’ military, despite repeated calls from press freedom organizations for unrestricted access.

Elsewhere, RSF reported that Mexico saw its deadliest year for journalists in at least three years, with nine killed, despite government pledges to improve protections. Other high-risk countries included Ukraine (three journalists killed) and Sudan (four killed).

The total number of journalist deaths globally in 2025 remains below the 2012 peak of 142, largely due to the Syrian civil war, and below the average of around 80 deaths per year since 2003.

RSF also highlighted journalist imprisonment worldwide, with China (121), Russia (48), and Myanmar (47) identified as the most repressive countries. As of December 1, 2025, 503 journalists were detained across 47 countries for their work.

The report underscores ongoing risks faced by journalists in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, and the continuing global challenge of press freedom.