Record 129 Journalists Killed in 2025, Two-Thirds by Israeli Fire, Reports CPJ

In 2025, a record 129 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide, marking the deadliest year since 1992, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Israel was responsible for nearly two-thirds of these deaths, primarily Palestinian journalists in Gaza and 31 media workers in an Israeli strike on a Houthi media center in Yemen. The CPJ classified 81 killings as targeted murders by Israel, though the Israeli military denies intentional harm, citing combat risks and alleging some journalists had militant links. Access restrictions in Gaza complicate independent verification. Other countries with journalist fatalities include Sudan, Mexico, India, and Ukraine. The CPJ highlighted government failures to protect press freedom globally amid rising conflicts.