2025 Sees Record Journalist Killings: Time to End Impunity
A new Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) report reveals an unprecedented and deeply troubling surge in violence against the press
The latest findings from the New York-based independent organization Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reveal an unprecedented and deeply alarming assault on press freedom. More journalists and media workers were killed in 2025 than in any other year since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) began collecting data more than three decades ago.
CPJ said in 2025 alone, 129 journalists and media workers were killed in connection with their work, with Israeli forces reportedly responsible for two-thirds of these deaths. The CPJ further reports that Israel is implicated in 81% of killings classified as ‘intentionally targeted’. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has committed more targeted killings of journalists than any other government’s military since CPJ began documentation in 1992.
The majority of those killed by Israeli fire were Palestinian journalists reporting from Gaza, professionals who served as the world’s only eyes and ears on the ground, as Israel continues to bar foreign media access. Unsubstantiated allegations that slain journalists were linked to armed groups, without verifiable evidence, risk serving as deadly smears that further endanger media workers and erode the principle of civilian protection.
Journalists are civilians. Intentionally targeting them or carrying out attacks with reckless disregard for their safety may constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law. The scale, consistency, and apparent impunity surrounding these killings demand urgent, independent, and impartial investigations by international bodies.
PEN Norway has closely monitored the attacks and threats to journalists in Gaza and, recognizing the danger the journalists face in Gaza, PEN Norway awarded the 2025 Ossietzky prize to Palestinian journalist Sami Abu Salem, a Gaza-based freelancer for VG for over 15 years. He was honored for his courageous documentation of the war in Gaza, acting as a vital voice while foreign media is restricted from Palestine.
PEN Norway reiterates its call on Israel and all parties involved in the armed conflict to respect international law, immediately halt attacks on journalists, and ensure full accountability for unlawful killings. States with influence must act now to protect journalists and defend the public’s right to information.
Read CPJ’s full report here:https://cpj.org/special-reports/record-129-press-members-killed-in-2025-israel-responsible-for-2-of-3-of-deaths/
