An international nonprofit organization says the number of journalists and media workers killed last year reached a record high. It also reports that roughly 70 percent of the deaths were linked to attacks carried out by Israel.

The Committee to Protect Journalists announced on Wednesday that at least 124 journalists and media workers died around the world last year. The figure represents a 22 percent increase from 2023.

It is also higher than the number recorded in 2007, when 113 journalists and media workers were killed. The Iraq War accounted for almost half of those casualties.

Of the total, 85 were killed in Israeli attacks -- 82 in the Gaza Strip and three in Lebanon.

Six others were killed in Sudan and Pakistan respectively. Five lost their lives in Mexico, and there were four deaths in Syria. Three were killed in Myanmar and Iraq respectively.

The CPJ says its research indicates that at least 24 journalists were deliberately killed because of their work.

One journalist who was targeted worked for Al Jazeera. The individual was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza.

CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg said, "The war in Gaza is unprecedented in its impact on journalists." Ginsberg also said that journalists should be protected in conflict zones.