BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli authorities are preventing foreign journalists from entering the Gaza Strip despite promises the Erez crossing would be open Thursday.

An email sent to foreign reporters from the Government Press Office said that "following an assessment of the situation & decision by GOC southern command, Erez crossing will be open to journalists with valid GPO cards, subject to their signing a waiver at the crossing."

Nevertheless reporters trying to enter Gaza early Thursday were not being let inside. Journalists stuck at the crossing said it might have been closed due to rocket fire in the vicinity.

During Israel's Cast Lead offensive that began in December 2008, foreign media were banned from entering the Gaza Strip under directives from the army and former GPO head.