The Foreign Press Association (FPA) voiced disappointment on Thursday after Israel’s Supreme Court postponed its decision on a petition requesting the immediate access of foreign journalists to Gaza, according to AFP.
After holding its first its first hearing today, the court acknowledged that “the situation has changed” since Gaza ceasefire took an effect. However, the State Attorney requested an additional 30 days to review the matter.
“The Foreign Press Association is disappointed in the Israeli Supreme Court’s decision to grant the State of Israel yet another delay regarding the independent entry of journalists into Gaza,” the FPA said in a statement after the hearing.
Barring Foreign Media
Since the outbreak of the Gaza War in October 2023, Israel has barred foreign journalists from entering the Palestinian enclave, with a limited access for only a few reporters under strict military supervision during escorted visits with Israeli forces.
“We did not get what we wanted exactly. We were hoping that the court would order the state to open the border immediately,” FPA board member Josef Federman told AFP.
Moreover, the association accused the Israeli government of repeatedly delaying the entry of foreign journalists into Gaza. Therefore, it has prevented them from fulfilling their journalistic responsibilities and “hindering the public’s right to information”.
“The government’s position remains unacceptable. We renew our call for immediate access to Gaza,” it added.
In July, France also called on the Israeli government to allow independent and foreign press into Gaza amid mounting concerns of famine after a devastating war.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stressed the need of allowing free press into the besieged Strip to “show what is happening there and to bear witness,” during an interview from eastern Ukraine.
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