JERUSALEM – Israeli authorities have told the Supreme Court that the ban on international Gaza Media access should remain in place. The government argued it is necessary for security reasons.
The ban has been in effect since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel. Foreign journalists have not been allowed to enter Gaza independently since then.
Israel currently permits only a limited number of reporters to enter Gaza on a case-by-case basis. These journalists are embedded with Israeli military forces inside the blockaded territory.
The Foreign Press Association (FPA), representing hundreds of foreign journalists in Israel and the Palestinian territories, filed a petition in 2024. They requested immediate and unrestricted access for international Gaza Media.
The Supreme Court has granted several extensions to Israeli authorities to submit a plan for media access. In a hearing last month, it set January 4 as the final deadline.
Late on Sunday, the government filed its response, stating that unrestricted Gaza Media access should continue to be blocked. Authorities cited ongoing security risks in the territory.
“Entry of journalists into the Gaza Strip without escort should not be permitted,” the submission said. The defense establishment maintains that such entry still poses a security threat.
The ceasefire in Gaza, effective October 10, continues to face regular threats. Since the ceasefire, at least 420 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The Israeli military reported three soldiers killed by militants during the same period.
Authorities also highlighted the ongoing search for the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza. Allowing journalists into the area could hinder the operation. Ran Gvili’s body has not yet been recovered, though all other 250 hostages have been returned.
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The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on Gaza Media access, but the timing remains unclear. Journalists and press organizations continue to push for independent reporting access.
