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Israel’s government has told the Supreme Court that a ban on international media entering the Gaza Strip should remain in place, citing ongoing security risks, according to a court filing obtained late Sunday.
In its submission, the government argued that allowing foreign journalists to enter Gaza without military escort would pose security threats.
It said the position was based on assessments by Israel’s defense establishment, which maintains that risks associated with such access persist.
Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, Israeli authorities have barred international journalists from independently entering the territory.
Only a limited number of reporters have been allowed in on a case-by-case basis, embedded with Israeli military units.
The Foreign Press Association (FPA), which represents hundreds of international journalists working in Israel and the Palestinian territories, filed a petition with the Supreme Court in 2024 seeking immediate and unrestricted access to Gaza.
The court has granted several extensions to Israeli authorities to present a plan addressing the issue.
At a hearing last month, the court set Jan. 4 as the final deadline for the government’s response.
In its filing, the government said that even after a ceasefire came into effect on Oct. 10, the situation in Gaza remains unstable and subject to regular threats.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 420 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire began.
The Israeli military has said three of its soldiers were killed by militants during the same period.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told parliament last month that rapid military responses to alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas could put journalists at risk, according to Israeli media reports.
The government also said the search continues for the remains of the last hostage believed to be held in Gaza, arguing that allowing journalists into the territory could hinder the operation.
The body of Ran Gvili, killed during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and taken to Gaza, has not yet been recovered.
All other hostages seized that day, both living and deceased, have been returned to Israel.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the petition, though the timing of its decision has not been announced.
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