Frustration is growing over Israel’s refusal to allow journalists into the Gaza Strip. Padraig Reidy reports

The Foreign Press Association in Israel has expressed anger over the Israeli government’s continued refusal to allow foreign journalists into Gaza.

Glenys Sugarman, Executive Secretary of the Foreign Press Association in Israel, told Index on Censorship that the Israeli government was still not allowing six journalists into Gaza, despite a ruling from the Supreme Court that journalists on a list compiled by the FPA must be allowed into the area. Israeli authorities have claimed the FPA has not finalised the list of journalists.

‘We have not changed the list, despite these claims,’ said Sugarman. ‘The government has the list of reporters we supplied a week ago.’

Sugarman said there is only one entry point where journalists can access Gaza.

‘The Erez checkpoint is the only Israeli checkpoint which will deal with international passports,’ she said. ‘There is no other way in to Gaza. Attempting to cross from Egypt means applying to the Egyptian authorities, which can take up to six weeks.’

Director of the Israeli government press office Daniel Seaman told Index on Censorship: ‘The Supreme Court ruling states that journalists could only be allowed into Gaza if conditions permitted. Conditions since the ruling have gotten worse, and there hasn’t been an opportunity to let journalists into Gaza. The army cannot guarantee security at the moment.’

A BBC cameraman yesterday gained access to Gaza, embedded with an IDF unit.