The White House said it supports “media freedom” following an Israeli Supreme Court decision that bars reporters from entering Gaza.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby had been asked about the status of journalists in Gaza during each of the last two press briefings and characterized his own responses to be “as satisfying as a gravy sandwich.”

Unprompted, he began his Thursday appearance with a statement about the decision.

“Obviously, I can’t comment about cases before the Israeli Supreme Court, but I can affirm that the U.S. completely supports the critical work that journalists are doing around the world, and certainly in the conflict in Gaza,” Kirby said. “We want to make sure that they’re able to do that safely, securely, effectively, and with full transparency.”

The topic will be brought up with Israel, he added.

Israel’s supreme court rejected an appeal from a host of media organizations asking to allow independent access for journalists in the Gaza Strip. The press has not been allowed into Gaza without supervision since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks launched the war.

The court said Israel cannot allow entry, citing concerns that doing so would endanger Israeli soldiers battling Hamas. The Foreign Press Association called the decision “unprecedented” and argues it’s in the public interest to provide a fuller picture of conditions inside Gaza.