Paris, France – Reporters Without Borders released its 2025 report, confirming that 67 journalists were killed while performing their duties or because of their work. Nearly half of them were killed in the Gaza Strip “by Israeli forces.” The organization stated that this figure reflects the escalating dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones around the world.
Reporters Without Borders pointed out that journalists do not die by chance. Rather, they are deliberately targeted with threats and attacks, whether by regular or irregular armed forces, as well as by organized crime. The organization added that 503 journalists remain imprisoned in 47 countries, including 121 in China, 48 in Brazil, and 47 in Myanmar. In addition, 135 journalists are missing and 20 have been abducted.
The report noted that the army is the biggest adversary of journalists. Twenty-nine Palestinian journalists and media collaborators were killed abroad in the past 12 months, and 220 since October 2023, with journalists being deliberately targeted while covering events.
The organization stressed the need to protect journalists and prevent them from becoming victims of conflict. Deliberately targeting them constitutes a war crime and undermines press freedom. It also highlighted the perilous situation in Mexico, where nine journalists were killed this year, despite government pledges to protect them.
Other countries that have recorded deaths of journalists include Ukraine, where three journalists were killed, and Sudan, where four others died, according to Reporters Without Borders. The figures may vary depending on the methods used by different organizations. UNESCO reports that 91 journalists have been killed worldwide as of 2025.
