According to the latest annual report from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), released on December 9, 2025, Israel is responsible for more than 43% of the 67 journalists killed worldwide this year, primarily in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict. This marks the third consecutive year Israel has been identified as the leading perpetrator of journalist deaths.

The organization condemned the killings as “unacceptable,” pointing to evidence of deliberate targeting of Palestinian media workers. Since the escalation in October 2023, RSF estimates nearly 220 journalists have been killed in Gaza, with at least 65 directly related to their professional activities. Palestinian authorities report an even higher toll of over 257 since the war began.

The report also ranks Israel second globally for detaining journalists, with 20 Palestinian media workers imprisoned in 2025 alone. Globally, Mexico follows Gaza as the second-deadliest location with nine killings, while China remains the largest jailer of journalists with 121 behind bars. RSF called for urgent international measures to protect press freedom in conflict zones.