2024 has become the deadliest year for journalists in over 30 years, with 205 media workers killed in Gaza alone over the past 15 months. Israel, engaged in conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, is responsible for the majority of these deaths, sparking global condemnation and calls for accountability.

Journalists covering the war have faced airstrikes, shelling, and direct attacks, often while wearing press insignia. Israel denies targeting reporters, attributing casualties to the densely populated combat zones. However, press freedom groups like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) argue the scale of deaths suggests a troubling pattern of disregard for media safety.

The killings in Gaza account for a significant portion of global journalist fatalities, making it one of the world’s most dangerous regions for the press. The targeting of journalists not only silences vital voices but also risks distorting the narrative of the conflict.

The UN and advocacy groups are urging accountability, stressing that attacks on journalists undermine democracy and international law. As the death toll rises, 2024 serves as a grim reminder of the risks faced by those who report from the frontlines and the urgent need to protect them.