Israel responsible for nearly 70 percent of journalist deaths in 2024: CPJ

The Committe to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has said that a record number of journalists were killed globally in 2024, with Israel responsible for nearly 70 percent of the deaths.

In a statement, the CPJ said that at least 124 journalists were killed in 18 countries in 2024, amounting to the deadliest year for reporters and media workers since the committee started recording the numbers more than three decades ago.

The CPJ said that 85 journalists were killed by Israeli forces in Gaza and accused Israel of attempting to stifle investigations of incidents, shift blame onto journalists and ignore its duty to hold people to account for the killings.

When approached for comment, the Israeli army said not enough information was provided on the alleged incidents and that it was therefore not able to check them, adding that it takes all operationally feasible measures to mitigate harm to journalists and civilians. 

"The IDF has never, and will never, deliberately target journalists," it added.

Reporting by Reuters