By Sama Marwan,
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported the death of 104 journalists worldwide in 2024, with over half of them killed in Gaza, marking it as one of the most dangerous regions globally for media professionals.
Key Highlights:
- Casualties in Gaza:
- Out of 104 journalists killed globally, 55 were Palestinians.
- From the onset of the war on October 7, 2023, at least 138 Palestinian journalists have lost their lives.
- Gaza surpassed traditionally perilous zones like Iraq, the Philippines, and Mexico in terms of journalist fatalities.
- Global Hotspots:
- Asia-Pacific: 20 journalist deaths, including 6 in Pakistan, 5 in Bangladesh, and 3 in India.
- Europe: Ukraine reported 4 journalist deaths in 2024, maintaining its numbers from the previous year but significantly lower than the 13 deaths in 2022.
- Imprisonment of Journalists:
- A sharp rise in incarcerated journalists, with 520 imprisoned worldwide in 2024, compared to 427 in 2023 and 375 in 2022.
Calls for Action:
IFJ Secretary-General Anthony Bellanger criticized the ongoing targeting of journalists, particularly in Palestine, and urged the United Nations to take swift measures to ensure their safety. He emphasized the need for a binding international convention to guarantee the safety and rights of journalists globally.
This alarming report highlights the escalating dangers journalists face in conflict zones and the growing need for international protection mechanisms.
