CPJ demands immediate end to Gaza media access ban, files legal challenge

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is renewing its urgent call for Israel to provide immediate, independent, and unrestricted international media access to Gaza.

On October 5, 2025, CPJ took a decisive stand for press freedom by filing an amicus brief in support of the Foreign Press Association in Israel’s second petition to the Israeli Supreme Court demanding Israel to immediately allow independent, unrestricted access for journalists to the Strip. 

Israel has denied all journalists independent access to the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, leaving the burden of covering the war solely on Palestinian journalists—who are reporting under conditions of starvation, displacement, and constant threat to their lives. In its brief, CPJ argued that Israel’s blanket prohibition on independent media access violates Israel’s commitments to protect journalists’ freedom of expression under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 

“This ban is not only unjustified, it is unlawful — even in times of war,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah. “Israel’s refusal to allow international journalists into Gaza directly violates international legal obligations, including the International Court of Justice’s order to preserve evidence related to possible genocide. The international community must not repeat the mistake of allowing Israel to continue its ban during the last ceasefire.”

Israel has maintained a continuous 741-day ban that also remained in place during the previous ceasefire between January and March 2025. However, there are early signs of a potential policy shift. On October 15, Israeli officials from the Foreign Ministry, Justice Ministry, and security agencies held a high-level discussion about whether to ease restrictions on foreign press access to Gaza in light of the war’s end, the opening of the Rafah crossing, and increasing pressure from international media outlets.

Israel has, however, also “formulated recommendations on how to influence journalists entering the area”, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, raising serious concerns about censorship, control, and narrative manipulation. To be lawful, these guidelines must guarantee access that is full, unrestricted, and free from interference.

The international community, particularly countries involved in ceasefire negotiations, must ensure that independent media access to Gaza — without censorship or intimidation—is a non-negotiable commitment. Journalists must be allowed to operate freely to uphold transparency, protect civilians, and ensure that violations of international law are not hidden from public view.

CPJ emailed the IDF’s North America Media Desk to request comment, which referred the inquiry to the Government Press Office. No response was received at the time of publication.