RSF has revealed that Israel was responsible for nearly half of all journalists killed worldwide this year. The Paris-based press freedom group said 67 journalists were killed globally, slightly higher than the 66 deaths reported in 2024.
According to RSF, Israeli forces killed 29 Palestinian journalists in Gaza during the past 12 months. This accounts for 43 percent of all media worker deaths, making Israel “the worst enemy of journalists” in the current year.
The deadliest incident recorded by RSF was the August 25 “double-tap” strike on a hospital in southern Gaza. Five journalists died in that attack, including contributors to Reuters and the Associated Press. RSF noted that Israel has been the biggest killer of journalists worldwide for three consecutive years, with nearly 220 reporters killed since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.
Foreign journalists still do not have independent access to Gaza. Entry is only allowed through Israeli military-controlled tours, despite repeated appeals from press freedom groups demanding open access for global media.
The RSF report also highlighted rising dangers for journalists in other conflict regions. Mexico recorded nine journalist deaths, making 2025 its deadliest year in at least three years despite promises of protection from President Claudia Sheinbaum. Sudan and Ukraine also remained high-risk zones, with four and three journalists killed respectively.
While the current number of deaths is far lower than the 142 journalists killed in 2012 — a year marked by the Syrian civil war — the situation remains alarming. The average yearly death toll since 2003 stands at around 80.
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The annual report further documented the imprisonment of journalists worldwide. China remains the most repressive country, detaining 121 journalists. Russia follows with 48, and Myanmar holds 47. As of December 1, 2025, a total of 503 journalists were imprisoned in 47 countries.
