The Israeli government has requested the Supreme Court to uphold its ban on international media access to Gaza, citing ongoing security risks in the Palestinian territory. The submission comes nearly three years after the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, leading to heavy military responses.
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Since the conflict began, Israel has restricted foreign journalists from independently entering Gaza. Only a limited number of reporters have been allowed in, embedded with military forces. The Foreign Press Association (FPA) filed a petition in 2024 seeking unrestricted access, prompting several court-mandated extensions for Israel to submit a plan.
🚨 BREAKING: Israel has told its Supreme Court that a blanket ban on independent foreign media access to Gaza should remain in place, arguing that security risks persist despite the ceasefire, according to court filings obtained by AFP and reported by Times of Israel and L’Orient… pic.twitter.com/60ilqSx6GV
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In its latest submission, the government argued that allowing journalists to enter Gaza without military escort could endanger their safety. Defence officials highlighted ongoing threats despite the ceasefire that began on October 10, 2023. Israeli forces have killed at least 420 Palestinians since then, according to Gaza health authorities, while three Israeli soldiers have died.
The government also cited the ongoing search for the remains of Ran Gvili, the last prisoner taken to Gaza during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Officials argued that allowing journalists into Gaza at this stage could interfere with recovery operations. All other prisoners captured during the attack, both living and deceased, have been returned to Israel.
Defence Minister Israel Katz previously warned that military responses to ceasefire violations could put journalists at risk. The Supreme Court is now expected to issue a ruling, although no timeline for a decision has been provided.
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The case highlights the tension between press freedom and security concerns in Gaza, with international media advocating for greater access while Israeli authorities emphasise the risks posed by ongoing military operations and regional instability.