The Foreign Press Association on Tuesday accused the government of continuing to bar independent journalistic access to the Gaza Strip, following the state’s latest response on Monday to a High Court petition seeking to allow reporters to enter the enclave without military escort.
In a statement issued after the filing, the FPA said it was “profoundly disappointed” by the government’s position, arguing that instead of outlining a pathway for independent reporting, the state had once again opted to deny access altogether – even though a ceasefire is now in place.
The association said the government had failed to present any plan that would allow journalists to operate independently in Gaza or work alongside Palestinian reporters, framing the policy as a continued lockout rather than a temporary security-based restriction.
The FPA said it intends to submit a detailed response to the High Court of Justice in the coming days and expressed hope that the court would intervene, describing the state’s position as a sustained infringement on freedom of expression, press freedom, and the public’s right to know.
Too dangerous for independent press to operate in Gaza
In the government’s submission, it reiterated that it remains too dangerous to allow journalists – Israeli or foreign – to enter Gaza without military accompaniment, despite changes in the intensity of the fighting.
The High Court has yet to issue further instructions on the petition, which was filed in September 2024.