An international media association has strongly criticized the Israeli government's decision to uphold its ban on unrestricted media access to Gaza, calling the move disappointing amid ongoing pressure from foreign nations. The government defended the ban in a Supreme Court submission, citing security risks and the ongoing search for the remains of a hostage, despite a ceasefire in the enclave. The Foreign Press Association, which represents hundreds of journalists, petitioned for immediate and independent access, but the government maintained that only limited, military-embedded access would be permitted.

The dispute comes as Israel also moves to halt the work of dozens of international nonprofit organizations in Gaza and the West Bank, drawing sharp criticism from humanitarian groups and the European Union. Aid organizations warn that the restrictions threaten to worsen the already dire humanitarian situation for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, with basic needs unmet and medical facilities struggling to operate. European Union officials have urged Israel to allow NGOs to work freely, stressing that humanitarian aid cannot reach those in need without their presence and warning that the restrictions may violate international law.