Israel’s Supreme Court has rejected a request from international media organisations to allow independent access for journalists to report in besieged Gaza, TRT World reports.

The Foreign Press Association, which represents dozens of media organisations operating in Israel and the Palestinian territories, including The Associated Press, asked the court last month to order Israeli authorities to allow journalists to enter the besieged Palestinian enclave.

In a ruling on Monday, the court said that while it recognises the right of freedom of the press, the current wartime circumstances justify the restrictions.

It said that journalists inside Gaza could endanger invading Israeli soldiers by reporting about troop positions. It also said it was too dangerous for Israeli personnel to work at crossings at the fence separating Israel and Gaza.

Instead, it said that journalists could continue to enter Gaza under Israeli military escort. The army has offered limited opportunities for some media to “embed” with soldiers in short, highly controlled visits.

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