A record number of journalists and media workers were killed in 2025, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), with the vast majority of fatalities occurring in Gaza. The organization documented the deaths of 129 journalists and media workers globally, marking the highest toll in its records and a significant increase from the 99 reported killed in 2023. This surge in casualties underscores the escalating dangers faced by those reporting from conflict zones, and raises serious concerns about the safety of the press.
The CPJ’s report, released on February 26, 2026, details a particularly grim situation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. At least 93 journalists and media workers were killed in Gaza, Palestine, representing over 72% of the total deaths documented in 2025. The organization’s investigation found that many of these deaths were the direct result of airstrikes by Israeli forces. The scale of the loss is unprecedented, and the CPJ is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding each fatality to determine whether they were directly targeted or killed in the crossfire. The issue of journalist safety in conflict zones remains a critical concern, and the record number of deaths in 2025 highlights the urgent need for greater protections for those reporting from the front lines.
The Rising Toll in Gaza
The concentration of journalist deaths in Gaza is particularly alarming. The CPJ’s reporting indicates that the majority of those killed were Palestinian, and were reporting on the conflict at the time of their deaths. The organization has documented specific instances where journalists were killed while clearly identifiable as members of the press, raising questions about adherence to international humanitarian law, which protects journalists in conflict zones. The CPJ’s analysis suggests that Israeli military protocols may not be adequately protecting journalists, or that those protocols are not being consistently followed. The organization is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into each incident.
Beyond Gaza, the CPJ reported significant numbers of journalist deaths in other regions. Ukraine saw 13 journalists killed in 2025, continuing a trend of danger for media workers covering the ongoing war with Russia. Mexico remained a particularly dangerous country for journalists, with 10 fatalities reported, largely attributed to organized crime and cartel violence. Other countries with reported journalist deaths included the Philippines, Syria, and Haiti, demonstrating the global reach of threats to press freedom. The diversity of locations underscores the varied and complex challenges facing journalists worldwide.
Methodology and Ongoing Investigations
The CPJ emphasizes that its figures are conservative estimates, and that the true number of journalists and media workers killed in 2025 may be higher. The organization’s methodology involves extensive field research, interviews with witnesses and sources, and careful examination of available evidence. The CPJ only includes deaths in its tally where it has determined, with reasonable certainty, that the individual was killed as a direct result of their work. This process can be lengthy and complex, particularly in active conflict zones where access is limited and information is often contested.
The organization is currently investigating numerous other deaths of journalists and media workers that occurred in 2025, and its final tally for the year may increase as more information becomes available. The CPJ’s investigations are crucial for establishing accountability and ensuring that those responsible for the deaths of journalists are brought to justice. The organization also advocates for stronger protections for journalists and greater respect for press freedom around the world. The ongoing investigations highlight the challenges of documenting violence against the press in conflict zones and the importance of independent reporting.
NATO Commemorates Four Years of War in Ukraine
While the CPJ report focuses on the global toll of journalist deaths, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to pose significant risks to media workers. On February 24, 2026, NATO marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine with a ceremony and a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council according to NATO’s official website. This event underscores the continued international support for Ukraine and the ongoing commitment to defending its sovereignty. The conflict in Ukraine has had a profound impact on the media landscape, with journalists facing threats of violence, censorship, and disinformation.
Relations between Ukraine and NATO have been evolving since Ukraine’s independence in 1991 as detailed by Wikipedia. Ukraine joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace in 1994, and the NATO-Ukraine Commission was founded in 1997 to foster closer cooperation. Despite seeking closer ties with the alliance, Ukraine’s path to NATO membership has been complex and fraught with political challenges. The current conflict has renewed calls for Ukraine to be integrated into NATO, but the timing and conditions for such a move remain uncertain.
The record number of journalist deaths in 2025 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who risk their lives to bring information to the public. The CPJ’s report is a call to action for governments, international organizations, and media outlets to prioritize the safety of journalists and protect press freedom around the world. The organization’s ongoing investigations and advocacy efforts are essential for ensuring that those responsible for these deaths are held accountable and that journalists can continue to report without fear of violence.
The next update from the CPJ regarding its investigations into journalist deaths is expected in the spring of 2026. Readers can find more information about the organization’s work and its annual reports on its website. We encourage you to share this article and join the conversation about the importance of protecting journalists and defending press freedom.
