Press association condemns Israel for continuing ban on media access to Gaza

The Foreign Press Association (FPA), a US-based non-profit representing foreign correspondents, has strongly criticized the Israeli government for continuing to block unrestricted international media access to the Gaza Strip. In a statement, the FPA expressed "profound disappointment" that the ban remains in place even after a ceasefire took effect, preventing journalists from working independently alongside Palestinian colleagues.

Legal Challenge and Justification

Israeli authorities have restricted independent media entry to Gaza since the war began in 2023, permitting only limited, escorted access on a case-by-case basis. According to Israeli media, the government informed the Supreme Court on Sunday that the ban should continue due to "security risks." The FPA announced it will submit a "robust response" to the court, expressing confidence that the judiciary will uphold principles of free speech and the public's right to know.

Context of Journalist Casualties and Ceasefire Violations

The condemnation comes amid a severe toll on Palestinian journalists. In early December 2025, Gaza's government media office reported that 257 Palestinian journalists had been killed during the two-year war. Although a ceasefire halted major hostilities in October 2025, the Health Ministry reports that Israeli violations have since killed 420 Palestinians and wounded 1,184 others. The war itself resulted in nearly 71,400 Palestinian deaths and left the enclave in ruins. The ongoing media blackout severely limits independent documentation of conditions and violations, a concern shared by press freedom advocates worldwide.