LONDON: Press freedom advocates and international news organizations have condemned Israel’s ban on international journalists entering Gaza despite a nearly two-month-long ceasefire with Hamas.
On Thursday, Israel’s Supreme Court granted yet another extension for the government to respond to the case, the ninth delay since a petition was filed by the Foreign Press Association in Israel in September 2024, demanding open access for foreign correspondents to report from the war-torn enclave.
The delay drew condemnations, with The New York Times, one of the media organizations supporting the legal challenge, saying the restrictions are “limiting reporting on the ground that is vital to understanding the conflict and assuring the free and credible flow of information.”
In a statement quoted by the newspaper, a spokesperson urged Israel to “lift restrictions without delay, allowing all journalists to work securely and without fear or hesitation.”
Sara Qudah, Middle East and North Africa director at the Committee to Protect Journalists, said the ban echoed press crackdowns seen in authoritarian regimes, calling it “a deliberate barrier to accountability.”
Israel has come under intensifying pressure to allow journalists inside Gaza throughout the years of the war.
Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, Israeli authorities have prevented foreign journalists from independently entering the devastated territory, allowing only a handful of reporters to accompany its troops into the Palestinian territory under Israeli blockade.
Reporters said they were not permitted to conduct independent investigations or speak freely with residents during the coverage tours.
Human rights organizations and press freedom advocates said the absence of international media has made it harder to independently verify war crimes or abuses committed by Israel and Hamas.
While Israel has previously cited “security concerns” and the need to protect military operations as justification, press groups maintain that such arguments no longer hold, especially in the current ceasefire climate.
The Israeli government did not officially explain why it continues to block journalists, despite earlier pledges to reexamine its position. In October, the government told the court it would review the policy within 30 days “in light of the ceasefire,” but no changes have followed.
The government’s next response is due by Dec. 21, though court observers warn this deadline may once again be extended.
The CPJ reported that more than 200 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza during the war, calling it “the deadliest conflict for journalists since CPJ began documenting deaths in 1992.”
A day after the latest court extension, FPA released a statement, saying it “firmly opposed” another delay to the Israeli supreme court’s decision on its petition demanding independent access to the Gaza Strip.
“Continuously preventing coverage — every minute, every hour, every day — seriously undermines the ability of international media to carry out their mission, and infringes on the fundamental rights of billions of users,” the FPA said in a statement.
The association represents hundreds of foreign journalists working for international news organizations in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
In October, it joined numerous international organizations that have demanded press access into Gaza. In July, major news agencies including AFP, AP, BBC and Reuters released a joint statement urging Israel to allow journalists in and out of Gaza, voicing concerns on the status of Palestinian journalists enduring famine, bombardment and displacement while covering the war for international outlets.
