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RSF Report: Israel Implicated in Majority of Journalist Deaths

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. implicated-in-majority-of-journalist-deaths.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 11:01 GMT by RTE Online
      Locales: ISRAEL, PALESTINIAN TERRITORY OCCUPIED

Escalating Violence: RSF Report Details Alarming Rise in Journalist Deaths, Israel Implicated in Majority of Cases

Paris, France - February 25th, 2026 - A scathing new report released today by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) paints a grim picture of global press freedom, revealing a dramatic spike in journalist killings in 2025, with a disproportionate number attributed to actions in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The report, titled "Silenced Voices: The Mounting Toll on Journalists Worldwide," details that Israel was responsible for approximately two-thirds of all press killings globally last year, a figure described by RSF as "deeply alarming."

According to the report, 18 of the 27 journalists killed worldwide in 2025 died as a result of actions linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. This constitutes a significant increase from previous years, and RSF explicitly criticizes Israeli policies impacting media access and, crucially, journalist safety. While the report acknowledges that journalists continue to face considerable risks in regions like Myanmar, Syria, Ukraine and Haiti, the concentration of deaths within the Israeli-Palestinian context is the dominant and most troubling trend highlighted.

RSF Secretary General Rebecca Vinokur, in a strongly worded statement accompanying the report's release, stated, "The sheer number of journalists killed in Gaza and the West Bank is deeply alarming. This is not simply a byproduct of conflict; it's a consequence of policies that actively hinder journalists from carrying out their vital work and, in too many cases, seem to deliberately target them." Vinokur called for immediate and independent investigations into each of the deaths, demanding accountability and concrete steps from the Israeli government to guarantee the safety of reporters and media workers.

Beyond the raw numbers, the report details specific instances of alleged attacks and obstructions. These include reports of journalists being fired upon while clearly identifying themselves as members of the press, the destruction of media equipment, and systemic denials of access to conflict zones. RSF alleges a pattern of restrictive practices, including the implementation of vaguely defined "security zones" that effectively prevent journalists from reporting from critical areas. The report further claims that the Israeli military's rules of engagement appear to provide inadequate protection for journalists, contributing to a climate of impunity.

RSF has previously issued condemnations regarding what it describes as Israel's "restrictive and often violent" actions towards journalists. The 2025 report expands on these concerns, highlighting a trend of increasing hostility towards the media, particularly those reporting on Palestinian issues. The organization points to a rise in online harassment and smear campaigns targeting journalists perceived as critical of Israeli policies.

The report doesn't solely focus on physical attacks. It also examines the challenges faced by journalists attempting to report from within Gaza, including limited access to electricity, the internet, and essential resources. The complete blockade has made it increasingly difficult to verify information and maintain reliable communication channels.

As of press time, the Israeli government has not yet issued a formal response to the RSF report. Previous responses to criticisms regarding media access have generally centered on arguments related to national security and the need to distinguish between legitimate journalists and individuals affiliated with militant groups. However, RSF insists that these justifications do not excuse the disproportionate number of journalist deaths and the systemic barriers to press freedom.

The report concludes with a series of recommendations for the Israeli government, including the implementation of independent investigations into all press killings, the revision of rules of engagement to ensure better protection for journalists, and the guarantee of unimpeded media access to conflict zones. It also urges international organizations and governments to pressure Israel to uphold its obligations under international law regarding press freedom and the protection of journalists. The increasing danger faced by journalists globally is a critical issue, and this report serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those committed to informing the world. The situation in Israel and Palestine demands urgent attention and a renewed commitment to protecting the vital role of a free and independent press.