GAZA, (PIC)-- The international federation of journalists has denounced the Israeli decision to prevent foreign journalists from entering Gaza for a week, describing the decision as a violation of the freedom of the press.

Aidan White, the IFJ general secretary, said in a press release a copy of which was available to the PIC on Thursday that Israel once again shows its disrespect for the freedom of the press through imposing restrictions on foreign journalists and their freedom of movement.

He said that censorship and hampering the media would only worsen the crisis and would lead to the spread of fear and rumors. He added that it was about time for Israel to end the siege on Gaza and to allow journalists, Palestinians and foreigners alike, to do their job without its intervention.

White expressed concern that such a decision would carry serious consequences on press coverage of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.