85 journalists killed in 2024 by Israel: CPJ

Year 2024 marked the most lethal period for journalists in recent memory, with a minimum of 124 reporters losing their lives, nearly 70 percent of which were attributed to actions by Israel, according to a report released by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Wednesday.

This increase in fatalities, representing a 22 percent rise compared to 2023, is indicative of "escalating levels of international conflict, political instability, and criminal activity globally," the CPJ stated.

It was the most perilous year for journalists and media personnel since the CPJ began its record-keeping over thirty years ago, with murders occurring across 18 different nations.

The Israeli-Hamas conflict accounted for 85 journalist deaths, all attributed to the Israeli military, with 82 of the deceased being Palestinians.

Sudan and Pakistan reported the second highest fatalities among journalists and media workers, with six deaths each.

In Mexico, known for its hazardous environment for reporters, five journalists were killed, with the CPJ noting "persistent deficiencies" in the country's protective measures for journalists.

In Haiti, where two reporters were murdered, rampant violence and political turmoil have created such disorder that "gangs now openly take responsibility for the killings of journalists," the report indicated.

Additional fatalities were reported in countries including Myanmar, Mozambique, India, and Iraq.

"Today represents the most perilous time for journalists in the history of the CPJ," stated Jodie Ginsberg, the organization's CEO.

"The conflict in Gaza is unprecedented in its effects on journalists and signifies a significant decline in global standards for journalist protection," she added.

The CPJ, which has documented journalist killings since 1992, reported that 24 of the reporters were intentionally killed due to their professional activities in 2024.