Executive summary

Independent research from Brown University’s Costs of War project states that the Gaza conflict has resulted in the highest number of journalist deaths recorded in any single conflict since modern record-keeping began. As of late March 2025 the report cites at least 232 journalists and media workers killed since 7 October 2023, with subsequent tallies from press freedom organisations and maintained name lists indicating the number has continued to climb through 2025.

1. The scale of loss

Numbers vary with cut-off dates and definitions, but the direction is consistent across credible monitors. Brown University’s The Reporting Graveyard (April 2025) synthesises historical baselines and conflict comparisons. CPJ, RSF and other monitors have repeatedly described the Israel–Gaza war as the deadliest conflict for journalists in their records.

Table 1 – Journalist deaths by conflict (verified baselines, best-available ranges)

Counts reflect available documentation and may differ by source methodology. Always check the “as of” date on cited sources.

2. Who is most at risk

The overwhelming majority of the dead are Palestinian journalists and media workers. Local reporters carry the heaviest risk burden: they live in the conflict zone, have fewer evacuation options, and often work as freelancers or fixers without the institutional protections of major newsrooms.

• Local casualties dominate – name lists show most victims are residents of Gaza working for local or international outlets.
• Freelancers and fixers – frequently first on scene, often with minimal safety nets.
• On-assignment deaths – many were killed while reporting, filming or travelling between locations.

3. Targeting, access and constraints

Multiple investigations and case files describe journalists being killed while clearly identified as press – wearing marked vests, operating near media tents or travelling in vehicles labelled PRESS. Alongside this are restrictions on foreign media entry, repeatedly cutting off outside scrutiny and placing the full burden of coverage on local journalists.

Table 2 – Injury and targeting indicators in Gaza

4. Impact on press freedom

Fatalities do not tell the whole story. Sustained psychological trauma, the destruction of equipment and facilities, and repeated communications blackouts all degrade the ability to report. The result is a chilling effect on documentation just when credible reporting is most needed.

• Trauma and fatigue – journalists in Gaza document events while experiencing personal loss in real time.
• Operational attrition – loss of cameras, transmitters and vehicles raises costs and delays coverage.
• Blackouts – connectivity interruptions isolate reporters from editors, sources and audiences.

5. Duty of care and insurance that actually works

Standard travel policies typically exclude war, terrorism and civil unrest. In practical terms, that means many journalists discover at the point of claim that their policy does not respond to the event they faced. Specialist cover is different – it is designed for these realities and integrates with crisis response partners who operate 24/7.

What good cover looks like in conflict zones

• War and civil unrest included – no blanket exclusions for the very risks you face.
• Medical and security evacuation – documented pathways to extract teams when conditions deteriorate.
• Accidental death and disability – financial protection for families and dependants.
• 24/7 assistance – operators with real in-theatre capability, not voicemail.
• Support for local hires – parity of protection for fixers and freelancers.

Learn more about our specialist media cover and support:

• insuranceforthemedia.com – insurance for newsrooms, crews and freelancers operating globally
• Insurance for work and travel in Israel, Gaza and Palestine – background, guidance and enquiry route
• Contact us – talk to a specialist
• Get a quote – fast turnaround for urgent deployments

6. Impunity and accountability

UNESCO’s monitoring shows that the global impunity rate for killings of journalists remains stubbornly high – typically in the 80 to 90 percent range. Where impunity persists, risk rises. Calls for independent investigations into specific killings in Gaza continue, but progress has been limited.

Table 3 – Global press freedom risk indicators

What to do next

If you commission or support journalism in conflict zones, take these steps before deployment:

1. Confirm in writing that your insurance includes war, terrorism and civil unrest – and verify claim triggers.
2. Ensure 24/7 medical and security evacuation are in place and tested with a pre-deployment call.
3. Extend protections to local hires and freelancers at parity with staff correspondents.
4. Agree communications and blackout protocols with clear check-in windows and fallbacks.
5. Arrange hostile environment training and psychological support pathways.

Get a specialist quote or speak with our team about cover that works where others exclude.