In 2024, journalist fatalities have significantly increased, with Reporters Without Borders labeling it an “hecatomb” and the International Federation of Journalists calling it a “massacre.” A report indicates the Israeli army is linked to the deaths of 18 journalists, primarily in Gaza. The situation in Palestine is dire, with over 145 journalists killed by Israeli forces since October 2023. Additionally, 550 journalists are imprisoned worldwide, and 55 are currently held hostage.
Rising Casualties Among Journalists in 2024
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the current year has been marked by a significant loss of life among journalists, with the organization describing the situation as an “hecatomb.” The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has labeled it a “massacre.” Both NGOs attribute a considerable portion of the journalist fatalities in 2024 to the actions of the Israeli army. The latest RSF report, released on Thursday, indicates that the armed forces of Israel are linked to the deaths of 18 journalists this year—16 in Gaza and 2 in Lebanon. This tragic count represents nearly one-third of the total 54 journalists who have lost their lives while performing their duties globally, as reported by December 1.
In a separate report made public on Tuesday, the IFJ claims that over half of the journalists killed worldwide this year were in Gaza, citing a total of 55 out of 104 fatalities. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer responded to these statistics, expressing disbelief. He suggested that many journalists in Gaza operate under Hamas’s influence, implying that this restricts their ability to report freely as long as Hamas remains active.
Disparities in Reporting and Accountability
The differing numbers reported by RSF and IFJ stem from their distinct methodologies for calculating journalist fatalities. RSF focuses on journalists whose deaths can be directly linked to their professional activities, while excluding those not targeted for their work or where the link remains unverified.
Despite the discrepancies in numbers, both organizations concur on the dire situation for journalists in Palestine. RSF highlights that Palestine has been the most perilous region for journalists over the past five years, with more than 145 journalists reportedly killed by the Israeli army since October 2023 in Gaza alone. If Lebanon is included, that figure rises to 155. RSF categorizes this as an “unprecedented hecatomb” and has lodged four complaints with the International Criminal Court (ICC) alleging war crimes against journalists by the Israeli military.
Anne Bocandé, RSF’s editorial director, emphasized the severe threat to journalism in the Gaza enclave, pointing out the multiple layers of ‘blackout’ that prevent accurate reporting. She indicated that many areas have become completely inaccessible, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty.
Anthony Bellanger, the Secretary General of IFJ, condemned the ongoing violence in Palestine, asserting that many journalists are deliberately targeted. However, Mencer asserted that Israeli forces do not intentionally target journalists.
Aside from Gaza, other countries with high journalist fatality rates in 2024 include Pakistan (7), and both Bangladesh and Mexico (5 each). RSF also tracks imprisoned journalists, reporting that 550 are currently held worldwide as of December 1, a rise from 513 the previous year. The countries with the highest numbers of imprisoned journalists include China (124), Myanmar (61), and Israel (41), with RSF noting Israel’s practice of “administrative detention.”
Moreover, there are 55 journalists currently held hostage, including two who were abducted this year. Notably, nearly half of the hostages are in the custody of the Islamic State group. The issue of missing journalists is also alarming, with 95 cases reported, four of which emerged in 2024. In 2023, the global count of journalists killed reached 45 by December 1, escalating to a final tally of 55 by the end of the year.