The Israeli government lashed out today at the United Nations for its rather bland criticism of Israel for its ongoing decision to cut Gaza off from the world.

"It is disappointing to see the [UN] High Commissioner fall victim to Hamas’ cynical manipulation of the media, and reprint blatant misinformation in her press release," the Israeli government said in its response.

Of course, Israel doesn't mention that is barring Western reporters from entering Gaza to see what is actually going on.

For two weeks, Israel has taken the unprecedented step of closing Gaza's borders to journalists, diplomats, many aid workers and critical supplies for the 1.5 million residents.

Israeli leaders contend that the ban on people going into Gaza is necessary because of new security problems. But that rationale has virtually no basis in fact.

There are no new security problems now that have not been an issue in the past.

Palestinian militants are firing small volleys of Qassam rockets into southern Israel, something they have been doing for years. Yet, until now, Israel never barred reporters from entering because of rocket fire. And the rockets are fired at towns and cities beyond the border, so they pose no immediate danger at the border crossing.

The only time I can recall Israel barring reporters from entering Gaza was during last year's Hamas-Fatah showdown. And, even then, Israel kept the border closed for a few days.

In fact, Israel went out of its way to ensure that reporters could safely enter and leave through the chaotic border, even as scores of desperate Palestinians camped out at the crossing, hoping to flee.

Today, McClatchy Newspapers joined other major media groups in calling on Israel to lift the ban.

"We are gravely concerned about the prolonged and unprecedented denial of access to the Gaza Strip for the international media," the letter to Israeli PM Ehud Olmert states. "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."

The letter is signed by leaders at CNN, the BBC, The New York Times, AP, Reuters and a growing list of media outlets.

In response, Shlomo Dror, a spokesperson for Israel's Defense Ministry, made it clear that his government is unhappy with media coverage of Gaza.

"Where Gaza is concerned, our image will always be bad," Dror told the Associated Press. "When journalists go in it works against us, and when they don't go in it works against us."

Of course, bad press coverage is not a legitimate reason to prevent reporters from entering Gaza.

Israel's press ban makes it difficult to write about the situation in Gaza. And it sets a dangerous precedent that Israel could use in the future if-and-when it ever launches another military ground operation against Palestinian militants.

In essence, Israel is declaring the entire Gaza Strip a closed military zone as it tries to put pressure on Hamas. And it could be part of an evolving new attempt by Israel to isolate Gaza and sever all links with the Hamas-controlled area...