Ban on journalists entering freedom flotilla

The Israeli authorities encouraged foreign journalists to refuse to support a new "freedom flotilla", which plans to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, Agence France-Presse reports.

In a statement the authorities said that part in the raid fleets is intentional violation of Israeli law, and media workers who will be on board the ships will be prohibited from entering the country over the next ten years.

Foreign Press Association, which represents journalists in Israel and Palestine, criticized the decision by the Israeli authorities, calling it "a frightening message to the international media," and noted that Israel's position raises serious questions about compliance with the authorities of the country's international obligations to protect freedom of the press.

Note that a naval blockade of Gaza by Israel runs from September 2007.