Israel's High Court of Justice has mandated that the government provide its final response by January 4 regarding a petition from the Foreign Press Association (FPA) for unlimited access to Gaza. The court declined to grant any additional extensions beyond this date.
Court Rejects Further Delays
Justice Ofer Grosskopf turned down a state request for a three-week extension, noting that previous commitments to submit updated responses had not been fulfilled. "Now the respondents [the state and the defense minister] are requesting another extension, this time of three weeks, and they [may yet] ask for more. It is not possible to agree to this," Grosskopf stated in the ruling.
The court emphasized it would issue a ruling even if the state ignored or missed this deadline.
FPA's Position
The FPA welcomed the court's decision, stating that justices had reached the limit of their patience. "After two years of the state's delay tactics, we are pleased that the court's patience has finally run out," the organization said. It reiterated its call for "free and unfettered access" for journalists and urged the court to protect press freedoms if restrictions continue.
In its petition, the FPA contends that a comprehensive ban on independent reporting violates democratic principles and disproportionately harms freedom of the press, expression, employment, and the public's right to information.
Government's Stance
The Israeli government has maintained that permitting journalists unrestricted access to Gaza endangers them, soldiers, and civilians. Despite a ceasefire in effect since October 10, periodic fighting persists, which Israel's military attributes to violations of the Yellow Line border.
The FPA has sought access to Gaza since June, but the state has denied permission, citing security concerns.
