Palestine has been labeled the most dangerous place in the world for journalists, according to a recent report from Reporters Without Borders. The group highlights the severe risks faced by reporters amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where nearly 200 journalists have been killed since the war began. At least 42 of these deaths occurred while journalists were on duty, trying to report the truth.
The report, part of the World Press Freedom Index 2025, paints a grim picture of the situation for media professionals in the region. Many journalists in Gaza are trapped without adequate shelter, food, or water, making their work increasingly perilous. In the West Bank, reporters face harassment and violence from both Israeli settlers and military forces. This harassment has intensified since October 7, when a wave of arrests created an environment of impunity for attacks on journalists.
Moreover, the report notes that journalists who are suspected of collaborating with Israel face additional threats from groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The Palestinian Authority has also enacted a cybercrime law that restricts freedom of expression and press freedom, further complicating the work of journalists in the area.
In the latest index, Palestine ranked 163rd out of 180 countries, dropping six spots from the previous year. This decline is part of a broader trend, as 112 countries saw a decrease in press freedom, with the global average score hitting a record low of 55 points.
The situation isn’t much better elsewhere. The United States fell two places to a record low of 57, with Reporters Without Borders criticizing President Donald Trump for undermining press freedom during his administration. The report claims that Trump’s actions, including targeting specific media outlets, have jeopardized journalistic integrity in the U.S.
Israel also experienced a significant drop, falling 11 places to 112th in the rankings. The report attributes this decline to increasing restrictions on media freedom and a lack of diversity in news coverage, particularly since the war in Gaza began. It notes that only journalists from a pro-Netanyahu outlet have had access to interviews with the Prime Minister, while critical voices face backlash.
Eritrea remains at the bottom of the index, just behind North Korea and China, while Norway tops the list as the country with the best press freedom. The findings underscore the urgent need for greater protection for journalists worldwide, especially in conflict zones like Palestine.