In every conflict, journalists face limits on access to war zones. But Gaza is different. For more than 930 days, Israel has barred foreign reporters from independently entering the territory.

In other recent conflict zones where danger was constant — from Ukraine to Iraq and Syria — foreign correspondents have still been able to report relatively independently.

Being on the ground is essential. It allows journalists to question official accounts on all sides, to speak directly with civilians and report back what they witness firsthand. That is why news organizations send their reporters into the field, often at great personal risk.

This has pushed the responsibility for covering this devastating war and its aftermath almost entirely on our Palestinian colleagues. Like all Palestinians in Gaza, they have worked under extreme conditions — facing hunger, displacement, the loss of loved ones and ongoing restrictions and deadly attacks. They should not have to shoulder this burden alone, and they should be protected.

Israel has given different reasons for maintaining this blackout, claiming at various times that soldiers or journalists would be in danger. But the heaviest fighting is over and there is a ceasefire in place. The hostages have come home. Journalists do not pose a threat to Israeli troops. There is a mechanism in place—however restrictive—that allows aid workers to enter and exit the territory. Why not journalists?

Israel has not responded to our requests for access and dialogue, and our appeals to its Supreme Court have gone unanswered. As the world marks Press Freedom Week, we again call on Israel to lift this ban immediately. Freedom of the press is a basic value in any open society. It is time for the delays to end. Let us into Gaza.