A comprehensive report released Wednesday by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reveals 2024 was the deadliest year for journalists since record-keeping began over three decades ago, with 124 media workers killed across 18 countries.
The death toll surpassed the previous record from 2007, when 113 journalists died, largely due to the Iraq war. CPJ Chief Jodie Ginsberg emphasized that current conditions represent “the most dangerous time to be a journalist in CPJ’s history.”
The Israeli military was responsible for 85 journalist deaths during the Gaza war, with Palestinians comprising 82 of these casualties. The CPJ criticized Israel for allegedly impeding investigations into these deaths, attempting to deflect responsibility onto the journalists themselves, and failing to hold military personnel accountable.
Sudan and Pakistan shared the position of second deadliest countries for journalists, each recording six fatalities. The report highlighted a concerning increase in targeted killings, with 24 journalists deliberately killed for their work. This includes 10 journalists reportedly killed by Israeli forces in Gaza and Lebanon, while the remaining 14 were assassinated across Haiti, Mexico, Pakistan, Myanmar, Mozambique, India, Iraq, and Sudan.
Freelance journalists accounted for a significant portion of casualties, with 43 deaths representing over 35 percent of the total. Palestinian freelancers in Gaza made up 31 of these cases. The CPJ noted that international media remain largely restricted from reporting in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, except for occasional military-escorted visits, emphasizing the crucial role of freelance journalists in coverage.
The report detailed specific incidents, including the July 31, 2024, deaths of Al Jazeera Arabic journalist Ismail Al-Ghoul and cameraman Rami al-Rifi, who were killed when Israeli forces bombed their car in Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp. While Israeli authorities denied intentionally targeting journalists, Al Jazeera Media Network characterized these deaths as “targeted assassination” and announced plans for legal action.
The violence has continued into 2025, with reporter Ahmad al-Shayah among six individuals killed in a drone strike on a Khan Younis charity facility on January 15.
About the author
British Man Faces 19 Years In Russian Prison After Capture In Ukraine War
A British man fighting for Ukraine has been sentenced to 19 years imprisonment by a Russian court after being captured during combat operations. James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, received the sentence following a three-day closed military trial in Kursk, according to the regional court press service on Wednesday. The court found him guilty of "mercenary activities" and a "terrorist act." Anderson, reportedly captured in November during Ukraine's cross-border offensive in Russia's Kursk region, pleaded guilty to all charges. His sentence includes five years in prison before transfer to a penal colony for the remaining term. Court-released footage showed Anderson silently nodding after hearing his translated sentence. The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued a strong rebuke of the verdict, stating Anderson faced "false charges" and emphasizing international legal protections for prisoners of war. "Under international law, prisoners of war […]
North Korea Abruptly Cancels Tourism Weeks After Reopening Borders
North Korea has suspended tourist visits just weeks after allowing the first Western tourists to enter the country since its five-year closure. The country had sealed its borders in early 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and began gradually easing restrictions in mid-2023. While Russian visitors were permitted entry earlier in 2024, Western tourists were only allowed to visit the remote eastern city of Rason starting last month. Several tour companies have now announced that trips to the secretive nation have been cancelled indefinitely, with no explanation provided by North Korean authorities. "Just received news from our Korean partners that Rason is closed to everyone. We will keep you posted," China-based KTG Tours, which specializes in North Korean tourism, announced Wednesday on Facebook. Other agencies including Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours have also confirmed the suspension. Young Pioneer Tours advised […]
Trump Spares Car Industry From New Tariffs Placed On Mexico and Canada
US President Donald Trump has granted temporary relief to automakers from the new 25% import tax on goods from Canada and Mexico, just one day after the tariffs were implemented. The White House announced the exemption while Trump continued criticizing Canada for allegedly failing to prevent drugs from entering the US. "Nothing has convinced me that it has stopped," Trump posted on social media following a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the economic disruption caused by the tariffs. The relief announcement helped US stock markets recover, with shares closing higher after two days of declines that had erased post-election gains in the S&P 500. The tariff exemption applies to vehicles manufactured in North America that comply with existing free trade agreement rules, which specify how much of a car must be produced in each country to qualify […]
Fifteen Hurt After South Korean Fighter Jets Accidentally Drop Bombs In Civilian District
Fifteen people in South Korea were injured, two of them seriously, after a pair of fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs in a civilian district during a live-fire military exercise, local media reported. The incident involving the Air Force KF-16 aircraft took place at around 10:04 local time (01:04 GMT) in the city of Pocheon, near the border with North Korea. South Korea's Air Force said that it was investigating the incident and apologised for the damage, adding it would provide compensation to those affected. While shells from live firing exercises sometimes land near civilian residences, they rarely cause injuries. According to local media reports, two people suffered fractures to their necks and shoulders. A 60-year-old who was driving when the explosion happened had shrapnel lodged in their neck, Yonhap reported. "I was driving when I heard a 'bang'," they […]
New Zealand Ambassador Fired After Questioning If Trump Really Understands Churchill
New Zealand has dismissed its senior diplomat to the United Kingdom following comments that questioned US President Donald Trump's historical knowledge. High Commissioner Phil Goff was removed from his position after remarks made at a London event on Tuesday. Goff had drawn parallels between current efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and the 1938 Munich Agreement that permitted Adolf Hitler to annex part of Czechoslovakia. During his speech, Goff referenced Winston Churchill's criticism of the Munich Agreement, then remarked: "President Trump has restored the bust of Churchill to the Oval Office. But do you think he really understands history?" New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters called Goff's comments "deeply disappointing" and declared his position "untenable." Goff's remarks came after Trump paused military aid to Ukraine following a contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In his speech, Goff contrasted Trump […]
Elderly Man Killed As Attacker Stabs Five At Israeli Transit Hub
An elderly man has been killed and four others wounded in what police described as a terrorist stabbing attack at a major transportation hub in Haifa, northern Israel. The attack occurred at the HaMifratz Central train and bus station, where security guards shot and killed the attacker at the scene, according to police. The Magen David Adom ambulance service reported that the deceased victim was approximately 70 years old. Those wounded include a 15-year-old boy and a man and woman in their 30s who are in serious condition, along with a 70-year-old woman who sustained moderate injuries. Police identified the attacker as an Israeli Druze man from Shfaram who had recently returned from abroad. Such attacks by members of Israel's Druze community are uncommon. The Druze are an ethnic and religious group whose faith developed from Shia Islam. Approximately 150,000 […]
Related
US Supreme Court Rejects Trump Administration’s Request to Halt Foreign Aid Payments
A divided US Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Trump administration's request to maintain a freeze on billions of dollars in congressionally approved foreign aid. The Court did not specify when the funds must be released, allowing the administration to continue challenging the issue in lower courts. The 5-4 ruling saw Chief Justice John Roberts joining Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson in the majority. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. The majority noted that since a court-ordered deadline to disburse the funds had already passed, lower courts should clarify what obligations the government must fulfill to comply with the temporary restraining order. The ruling doesn't require immediate payment of up to $2 billion in foreign aid; it simply allows the district court to potentially compel those payments with […]
Top Diplomat Fired After Questioning Trump’s Knowledge on History
New Zealand has dismissed its most senior envoy to the United Kingdom following remarks that questioned US President Donald Trump's understanding of history. During an event in London on Tuesday, High Commissioner Phil Goff compared efforts to end the Russia- Ukraine war to the 1938 Munich Agreement, which permitted Adolf Hitler to annex part of Czechoslovakia. Mr. Goff recalled Sir Winston Churchill's criticism of the agreement, then said, "President Trump has restored the bust of Churchill to the Oval Office. But do you think he really understands history?" New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters called his comments "deeply disappointing" and said they made his position "untenable." Goff's remarks came after Trump paused military aid to Kyiv following a contentious exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office last week. The High Commissioner contrasted Trump with Churchill who, while […]
“I Thought We Were in Hell”: Aid Worker Survives Russian Missile Strike on Ukrainian Hotel
An aid worker described surviving a Russian missile attack on a hotel in Ukraine as feeling like an "apocalyptic movie." Karol Swiacki, founder of Bournemouth-based Ukraine Relief, and his team were leaving dinner when caught in the attack on Kryvyi Rih overnight. The strike killed at least four people and injured 31, according to the city's regional governor. Kryvyi Rih is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown. Zelensky is currently attending an EU emergency summit where he thanked European leaders for their "strong support." Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Swiacki explained he had traveled to Ukraine to deliver supplies to shelters, orphanages, and schools. He has previously won a BBC award for his aid work in Ukraine. "We had a nice dinner together and were planning to go to a school in the morning," Swiacki told listeners. "We were about to […]
British Man Faces 19 Years In Russian Prison After Capture In Ukraine War
A British man fighting for Ukraine has been sentenced to 19 years imprisonment by a Russian court after being captured during combat operations. James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, received the sentence following a three-day closed military trial in Kursk, according to the regional court press service on Wednesday. The court found him guilty of "mercenary activities" and a "terrorist act." Anderson, reportedly captured in November during Ukraine's cross-border offensive in Russia's Kursk region, pleaded guilty to all charges. His sentence includes five years in prison before transfer to a penal colony for the remaining term. Court-released footage showed Anderson silently nodding after hearing his translated sentence. The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued a strong rebuke of the verdict, stating Anderson faced "false charges" and emphasizing international legal protections for prisoners of war. "Under international law, prisoners of war […]
North Korea Abruptly Cancels Tourism Weeks After Reopening Borders
North Korea has suspended tourist visits just weeks after allowing the first Western tourists to enter the country since its five-year closure. The country had sealed its borders in early 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and began gradually easing restrictions in mid-2023. While Russian visitors were permitted entry earlier in 2024, Western tourists were only allowed to visit the remote eastern city of Rason starting last month. Several tour companies have now announced that trips to the secretive nation have been cancelled indefinitely, with no explanation provided by North Korean authorities. "Just received news from our Korean partners that Rason is closed to everyone. We will keep you posted," China-based KTG Tours, which specializes in North Korean tourism, announced Wednesday on Facebook. Other agencies including Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours have also confirmed the suspension. Young Pioneer Tours advised […]
Trump Spares Car Industry From New Tariffs Placed On Mexico and Canada
US President Donald Trump has granted temporary relief to automakers from the new 25% import tax on goods from Canada and Mexico, just one day after the tariffs were implemented. The White House announced the exemption while Trump continued criticizing Canada for allegedly failing to prevent drugs from entering the US. "Nothing has convinced me that it has stopped," Trump posted on social media following a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the economic disruption caused by the tariffs. The relief announcement helped US stock markets recover, with shares closing higher after two days of declines that had erased post-election gains in the S&P 500. The tariff exemption applies to vehicles manufactured in North America that comply with existing free trade agreement rules, which specify how much of a car must be produced in each country to qualify […]
Be the first to leave a comment