Palestine ranked as the world’s most dangerous region for journalists, according to a new report.

In a recent report released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Palestine has been identified as an increasingly perilous environment for journalists, particularly in light of ongoing tensions and conflict related to Gaza. The organization’s latest World Press Freedom Index reveals that nearly 200 journalists lost their lives in connection with the conflict during its initial 18 months, with at least 42 fatalities occurring while reporters were carrying out their professional duties. This grim statistic underscores the dire circumstances faced by journalists covering the situation, often without adequate shelter, food, or water.

Reporters Without Borders elaborated on the threats faced by journalists not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank, where harassment and violence perpetrated by both settlers and Israeli forces have become commonplace. A notable increase in repression has followed the events of October 7, indicating a troubling climate where impunity has overshadowed accountability regarding attacks on media professionals. Furthermore, the organization highlighted the challenges faced by journalists under the authority of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, who have reportedly obstructed their work. A new cybercrime law introduced by the Palestinian Authority is seen as further restricting freedom of expression and press freedom, adding complexities to an already tense atmosphere.

Palestine’s ranking in the latest index dropped six positions to 163rd out of 180 jurisdictions, reflecting a broader trend where press freedom is declining globally. Out of the jurisdictions surveyed, 112 experienced a downturn in press freedom, pushing the global average score to an unprecedented low of 55 points. The United States also witnessed a significant drop, falling to a record low of 57, with the watchdog attributing this decline to a pattern of behavior exhibited by President Donald Trump, who has been accused of undermining journalistic freedoms throughout his tenure.

In the context of Israel, RSF noted a similarly concerning slide in press freedom rankings, dropping 11 places to 112th due to increasing restrictions on media access, plurality, and editorial independence since the onset of the Gaza conflict. The constraints faced by journalists and the atmosphere of hostility towards critical media voices present significant challenges to the fundamental operations of journalism in the region.

Globally, Eritrea emerged as the lowest-ranked country, closely trailing North Korea and China in terms of press freedom, while the top spot was secured by Norway, followed by Estonia, the Netherlands, and Sweden. This report sheds light on the urgent need for renewed advocacy for press freedom, particularly in conflict zones, and highlights the ongoing struggles that journalists face in these environments.

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