France, Dec. 2 -- The National Union of Journalists (SNJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) confirmed on Tuesday that they had lodged a complaint for "obstruction of the freedom to practise journalism" at a Paris court.

They argue that Israel's restrictions on media access, along with reported intimidation and violence against French journalists working in the region, amount not only to a breach of press freedom but potentially to war crimes.

Because the allegations concern French citizens, the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office (PNAT) is authorised to open an investigation.

In a 100-page submission - made public by FranceInfo - the unions say the case is the first to lean on France's specific offence of ob...