The year 2024 marked a grim milestone with 54 journalists killed globally while pursuing their work, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The press freedom crisis deepened as a third of these deaths were attributed to the Israeli army. RSF’s annual report, released on Thursday, revealed that 18 journalists lost their lives at the hands of Israeli armed forces—16 in Gaza and two in Lebanon.
Gaza: The Most Dangerous Place for Journalists
RSF declared Palestine the most perilous country for journalists, citing a devastating death toll over the past five years. The conflict in Gaza alone accounted for more than 145 journalist deaths since October 2023. Of these, 35 were killed while actively working. RSF described the killings as an “unprecedented bloodbath,” emphasizing the dire risks faced by media professionals in conflict zones.
To address these alarming figures, RSF filed four complaints with the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the Israeli army of war crimes against journalists. These complaints highlight the targeted nature of these attacks, underscoring the growing dangers for journalists in volatile regions.
Global Journalist Death Toll: A Rising Trend
While Gaza witnessed the highest casualties, other countries also faced notable threats to press freedom. Pakistan recorded seven journalist deaths in 2024, making it the second deadliest country for media professionals. Bangladesh and Mexico followed, with five deaths each.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) released a separate report earlier this week, documenting 104 journalist deaths globally in 2024. The discrepancy between the IFJ and RSF figures stems from differing methodologies. RSF focuses solely on cases directly linked to professional activities, whereas the IFJ includes a broader range of incidents.
Despite these differences, both reports highlight the escalating dangers journalists face worldwide. In comparison, 2023 saw 45 journalist deaths in the same period, signaling a worrying increase.
Israel’s Response to Allegations
Israel rejected the RSF figures, with government spokesman David Mercer asserting that the statistics were inaccurate. Israel maintains that it does not intentionally target journalists, acknowledging only incidental deaths during airstrikes on military targets. However, international press freedom organizations argue otherwise, urging accountability for these incidents.
Read: Gaza Hospital Patients Face Starvation, Authorities Say
Challenges in Upholding Press Freedom
The press freedom crisis has grown more severe, with journalists increasingly caught in the crossfire of conflicts. The risk is particularly acute in regions like Gaza, where military actions frequently target civilian infrastructure, including media facilities.
This alarming trend calls for urgent global attention to ensure the safety of journalists. Advocacy groups continue to push for stricter protections and accountability mechanisms to safeguard press freedom in conflict zones.
Press Freedom Under Siege
As the global death toll for journalists rises, the challenges to press freedom have never been more critical. The need for robust international mechanisms to protect media professionals and hold perpetrators accountable remains a pressing concern. Without concerted efforts, the freedom of the press—and the lives of those who uphold it—will remain under siege.
Follow Day News on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
