Israel says it will bar foreign journalists from Gaza even if Rafah reopens
Israel has told its High Court that foreign journalists will not be allowed to enter Gaza even if the Rafah Border Crossing is reopened, maintaining its long-standing ban on international media access, Israeli media reported.
The position was presented during a court hearing this week in response to a petition filed by the Foreign Press Association (FPA), which represents nearly 400 journalists from more than 130 outlets worldwide. The FPA argues the ban violates the public’s right to information and prevents independent reporting from Gaza.
Government representatives said allowing journalists into the enclave would pose ongoing security risks, regardless of the status of the Rafah crossing. The High Court did not issue an immediate ruling and requested further clarification of the state’s security assessments, including in a closed session.
Press freedom groups warned the ban undermines transparency and sets a dangerous precedent, while the government insisted it is acting within its authority. Israel announced a limited reopening of Rafah earlier this week, though the crossing has yet to become operational.
