Israel to open Gaza border crossing to journalists on Friday

Israel on Thursday said it is lifting restrictions on allowing the foreign media into the Gaza Strip.

The announcement said the Erez border crossing will return to its regular operating hours on Friday. The news comes after a lengthy battle between Israel and the foreign journalists based in the region.

Israel has restricted the flow of journalists into Gaza since a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas began to fray on Nov. 5. It further tightened the ban after launching its offensive against Gaza's militant Hamas rulers on Dec. 27.

Israel asserted that opening crossings for journalists would endanger them and the staff at the terminals, which have often been targeted by militants.

The Foreign Press Association had filed a court challenge, accusing Israel of restricting freedom of the press.

"We would welcome an assurance that access to Gaza for international journalists will be restored immediately in the spirit of Israel's long-standing commitment to a free press," read the letter.

Mark Regev, a spokesman for Olmert, confirmed that the letter had been received. Journalists were not being singled out, he said at the time, but were affected by a broader decision to close the crossings.