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The Israeli government has informed the High Court of Justice that foreign journalists are still prohibited from entering Gaza without accompanying military escort, despite persistent efforts from the Foreign Press Association to secure independent access. This stance has persisted a year after the October 2025 ceasefire agreement and over two years after the association initially filed its petition.

The crux of the debate revolves around whether journalists should be granted unrestricted entry to report independently, as opposed to relying on visits organized and escorted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The state's arguments are rooted in the ongoing security risks in Gaza. It points to past occasions where escorted visits were permitted during various stages of the war, arguing that these instances do not equate to journalists having the freedom to decide their own routes, interview subjects, or investigative avenues. In contrast, the association contends that the circumstances have significantly evolved, particularly with the introduction of arrangements enabling international aid workers to move freely within Gaza.

These developments, according to the association, weaken the rationale for maintaining the ban on independent journalists.

The association sought a court order permitting entry while the legal battle was ongoing, as well as a formal justification for the restrictions or an urgent hearing. It highlighted the detrimental impact of repeated delays, emphasizing that the ability to report on unfolding events cannot be regained once access is granted months later.

The latest response from the state, submitted after an instruction from Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg, reaffirms that the prevailing security assessment does not permit journalists to enter Gaza without military escort. The government also offered to provide an additional classified explanation to the judges.

The legal proceedings have been marked by multiple updates and extensions, including a promise from the state to review its policy following the ceasefire agreement. Initially, in its June 19, 2025 response, the state referenced the court's January 2024 rejection of an earlier petition, which had found no automatic right for journalists to enter Gaza and no grounds to challenge the existing restrictions. However, the court had left the door open for the association to revisit the matter if conditions changed.

On October 9, 2025, the government endorsed a framework for the release of hostages, which included the ceasefire arrangements. Two weeks later, at a hearing, the state indicated its willingness to reassess its policy in light of this agreement. The court subsequently granted the state a deadline of November 23 to provide an update, during which the state also hinted at resuming escorted journalist visits to areas within the Yellow Line.

Following further extensions, the state submitted its response on January 4, 2026, acknowledging the changes on the ground but still maintaining that security concerns prevent independent access. The state also cited the continued custody of the remains of hostage Ran Gvili. At a hearing on January 26, state representatives presented classified security information to the judges without the presence of the petitioners.

The court then ordered another update by March 31, without imposing the additional order the association had requested.

Following two more extensions, the state filed an updated response on June 3, again insisting on its position. On June 15, following an instruction from Sohlberg, the state provided a classified explanation, which was the last update before the court's response was delivered. The state argues that granting temporary entry would effectively satisfy the main request of the petition, even before a final ruling is rendered.

It indicated readiness to submit another classified submission within about 20 days if required. An affidavit supporting its current security assessment is also expected to be submitted in the coming days. The outcome of the court's decision will determine the subsequent steps in the case.