The Foreign Press Association expresses its profound disappointment that one year into a devastating war, Israel continues to bar independent access to Gaza for the international media.

This is shocking behavior for a country that professes its commitment to the democratic ideals of a free press. Never before has Israel enforced such a long and strict information blackout.

It has repeatedly rejected our appeals for access, fought us in court to uphold this draconian ban and offered just a handful of highly controlled “embed” opportunities for a small number of our members. Perhaps most concerning, it shows no signs of changing its position, even as it scales back its military presence and allows humanitarian workers in and out of the territory.

At the same time, Palestinian journalists inside Gaza, some of whom have been killed while reporting the news, continue to face unprecedented threats and restrictions on movement as they risk their lives trying to cover this story.

At this critical juncture, the FPA has once again turned to Israel’s Supreme Court in hopes to sustain the freedom of the press and democratic fundamental rights.

We call on the world to join us in our call for unfettered and independent access to Gaza. To Israel, we say enough with the excuses. It is time to let us in.

The Board of the Foreign Press Association in Israel and the Palestinian Territories