Ramallah – 06/08/2025 – The 2024 Press Freedom Index in Palestine continues to reflect a “difficult” overall status in the areas assessed during the year, as published in its sixth edition. This result remains consistent with the previous year’s findings in 2023, showing only a slight improvement of no more than 2.5%. The 2024 Index scored 370 out of a total of 1000 points, compared to 361 points in 2023.

These findings were presented at a conference held today (Wednesday) at the headquarters of the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) in Ramallah, during which the results of the sixth locally produced Press Freedom Index were unveiled, with support from the European Union Office in Jerusalem.

The conference was opened by Dr. GHAZI HNEINEH, Chairman of MADA’s Board of Directors. Additional remarks were delivered by Mr. MONTASER HAMDAN, representing the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and a member of its General Secretariat, as well as Dr. TALEB AWAD, a member of MADA’s Board of Directors. Ms. SHIREEN AL-KHATIB, Acting Director of MADA, presented the key findings of the index and outlined a number of recommendations addressed to various stakeholders, including the Palestinian government, the Journalists Syndicate, civil society organizations, and international institutions. The event was attended by numerous media outlets, journalists, and representatives from both local and international organizations.

In his opening remarks, Dr. HNEINEH emphasized that this sixth edition of the Press Freedom Index has been prepared for the second consecutive year focusing solely on the West Bank, due to the ongoing genocidal war in the Gaza Strip. However, he stressed that this edition is no less important than previous reports, especially in light of the mounting challenges facing journalism in Palestine. He described the index as a step toward a more transparent and accountable media environment, carrying a clear message: the rights of journalists are not aspirational ideals but fundamental components of a vibrant democratic society. He further stressed the importance of regular monitoring and transparent accountability of relevant stakeholders, reaffirming that journalists are an integral part of the national fabric.

In his remarks, Mr. MONTASER HAMDAN underscored the importance of protecting journalists as vital members of society. He highlighted the national responsibility to safeguard journalists, especially under the difficult conditions in which they operate, and emphasized the role of civil society and nonprofit institutions in this protection. HAMDAN distinguished between physical safety and professional safety, noting the crucial role of institutional training programs and internal policies in ensuring the latter. He also pointed to the need for greater attention to journalism graduates, cautioning against their exploitation and deployment in the field without sufficient knowledge of professional safety fundamentals.

For his part, Dr. TALEB AWAD expressed hope that the index will continue to be published regularly, reiterating the right of journalists to freedom of expression as a fundamental right. He emphasized the need to link this right with other essential freedoms, such as freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of association, and participation in general elections, as inseparable components of the broader framework of human rights.

To read the full Press Freedom Index report:

The 2024 Palestine Press Freedom Index The