International press disappointed as access to Gaza remains denied

International press remains disappointed by the Israeli government, as they still do not allow journalists access to the Gaza Strip. This follows the announcement of Israel's Supreme Court to grant the State of Israel another 30 days to formulate its position on the issue.

Since October 2023 Israel has strictly hindered journalists from entering the devastated strip of Gaza, as only a handful of reporters were part of controlled visits alongside troops.

Today, Israels top court will hear a petition filed by the Foreign Press Association (FPA) seeking access to the Gaza Strip.

"For over two years, Israel has blocked foreign reporters from going into the territory, greatly hindering the media's ability to cover this devastating conflict," the FPA said in a statement ahead of the hearing.

"We are pleased to finally have our day in court and hope the justices will swiftly approve our request to enter Gaza," Tania Kraemer, chairperson of the FPA, said in the statement.

"It is high time for Israel to lift the closure and let us do our work alongside our Palestinian colleagues."

Soon after the begin of Israel's offensive against the terror group Hamas in Gaza Strip journalists petitioned for independent access to the region, though till now in vain.

"The result is an unprecedented violation of press freedom and the public's right to reliable, independent, and pluralistic media reporting," Bernard said.

"The Supreme Court has the opportunity to finally uphold basic democratic principles in the face of widespread propaganda, disinformation, and censorship, and to end two years of meticulous and unrestrained destruction of journalism in and about Gaza."

"No excuse, no restriction can justify not opening Gaza to international, Israeli and Palestinian media," he said.