Palestinian Journalists’ Union: Gaza world’s most dangerous place for journalists in 2025

Palestinian Journalists’ Union: Gaza world’s most dangerous place for journalists in 2025
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A report by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate says 2025 marked the deadliest year on record for Palestinian journalists since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, citing what it describes as a sustained pattern of lethal targeting by Israeli forces.

In a statement released Friday cited by Maktoob Media, the Syndicate’s Freedoms Committee said at least 76 Palestinian journalists had been killed or injured by the end of November 2025. The committee said its monitoring showed a shift from restrictions on reporting to what it characterized as deliberate attacks aimed at silencing media coverage.

According to the report, journalists were killed or injured while working in locations including hospitals, schools, displacement shelters, press tents, and private homes. It said attacks occurred in Gaza City, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, Jabalia, Nuseirat, and Rafah, describing the Gaza Strip as the most dangerous area for journalists worldwide. In the West Bank, the committee identified Jerusalem, Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, and Beita as key hotspots.

The Syndicate said many journalists were clearly identified by press vests and badges at the time of the incidents and were targeted by live fire, air strikes, artillery shelling, drones, and physical assaults. It also reported a rise in cases of permanent injury in mid-2025, including blindness, amputations, and paralysis.

Press freedom groups have repeatedly condemned the killings and injuries, while noting that no Israeli soldier has been charged in connection with the deaths of journalists, including the 2022 killing of Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh in the West Bank.

The report also highlighted a recent incident east of Ramallah, where Palestinian journalist Mohammed Turkman was assaulted while covering a settler attack on the village of Deir Dibwan. According to eyewitnesses and Turkman’s account, Israeli soldiers detained him, damaged his equipment, and beat him despite his press identification.

The Syndicate called on the international community to ensure accountability and protect journalists working in conflict zones.