Palestine

Palestine ranks 163rd out of 180 in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), scoring low in the “very serious” category—deemed one of the world’s most dangerous places for journalists due to the Gaza conflict.

Gaza remains the deadliest region globally: 56 Palestinian journalists and media workers were killed in 2025 per IFJ (among 128 worldwide deaths), with RSF citing 29 killings by Israeli forces (nearly half of global totals). CPJ reports ongoing deaths post-ceasefire, including three freelancers in January 2026 strikes.

Since October 2023, totals exceed 200-250 (CPJ: 252+ overall casualties; IFJ/Palestinian sources: up to 234+ in Gaza). Journalists face targeted strikes, detentions (20+ held), torture allegations, newsroom destruction, blockades barring foreign media, and impunity. This creates a news blackout, severely threatening independent reporting amid humanitarian crisis.