128 Journalists Killed Worldwide in 2025

The International Federation of Journalists reported that 128 journalists and media workers were killed globally in 2025. The data identifies Gaza as the most dangerous region for the press during this period.

According to the report, 56 press workers lost their lives in the Gaza Strip. This number accounts for nearly half of the total global fatalities for the year. The deaths occurred during the ongoing war involving Israel and Hamas.

Israeli officials have challenged the classification of individuals killed in the conflict. The government asserts that many of those listed as journalists were actually combatants. This dispute complicates the verification of casualty figures in the region.

The International Federation of Journalists documented a sharp rise in media worker fatalities in 2025. The organization reported a total of 128 deaths across various global conflict zones. This figure represents a significant increase compared to previous years.

The Gaza Strip emerged as the deadliest area for journalists during the reporting period. The conflict between Israel and Hamas resulted in the deaths of 56 press workers. This concentration of casualties in a single region highlights the extreme dangers faced by media personnel covering the war.

The high death toll in Gaza has drawn attention to the safety protocols and protections available to journalists in active war zones. The region has been the site of intense military operations and combat activities throughout the year.

The Israeli government has issued a response to the casualty figures released by the press group. Officials stated that many individuals listed as journalists were not independent media workers. According to the government, these individuals were active combatants in the war against Hamas.

This position creates a significant divergence between the International Federation of Journalists and Israeli authorities. The government maintains that the status of these individuals as combatants disqualifies them from being counted as press casualties. This dispute centers on the definition and verification of who qualifies as a journalist in a conflict zone.

The disagreement underscores the difficulties in verifying information from active combat areas. It also reflects the broader tensions surrounding the reporting of the war in Gaza.

The fatalities occurred within the context of the war between Israel and Hamas. This conflict has involved extensive military engagement in the Gaza Strip. The environment has been characterized as highly dangerous for all parties present, including civilians and media personnel.

Journalists operating in the region face inherent risks associated with covering active military operations. The presence of combatants and the destruction of infrastructure add to the hazards of the job. The loss of 56 press workers in this specific area illustrates the severity of the conditions.

The ongoing nature of the conflict suggests that risks to media workers remain high. The international community continues to monitor the situation regarding press freedom and safety in the region.

The report from the International Federation of Journalists paints a grim picture of the dangers facing the media in 2025. With 128 deaths globally, the year stands out as particularly deadly for journalists. The concentration of these deaths in Gaza points to the specific volatility of that conflict.

However, the figures remain a subject of dispute. The Israeli assertion that many of the deceased were combatants complicates the narrative. It highlights the challenge of maintaining accurate records in chaotic war zones.

Ultimately, the safety of journalists remains a critical global issue. The data from 2025 serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war reporting.