Journalists and other mourners gather around the bodies of four Palestinian journalists and a media worker killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp on December 26, 2024. (Photo: AP/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Dear Friend,
2024 was the deadliest year for journalists in CPJ history.
Per a report we published today, at least 124 journalists were killed across 18 countries—a staggering 22% increase from 2023. Nearly 70% of these deaths occurred in the Israel-Gaza war, with 85 journalists killed by the Israeli military. Most of those killed, 82, were Palestinians.
Freelancers, often reporting with minimal resources, made up over 35% of those killed. In Gaza alone, 31 freelancers lost their lives, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by those bringing critical stories to the world.
CPJ is calling for urgent action. As part of this report, we made a number of recommendations to improve journalist safety and provide accountability for journalists deaths, including the establishment of an international investigative task force focused on crimes against journalists.
Journalists are under attack worldwide. It’s more important than ever to stay informed.
With resolve,
John Weis
Director of Development and Outreach
