106 Chapter Four The Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, and Peaceful Assembly in Palestine The right to freedom of opinion and expression is considered one of the most fundamental human rights. It is characteristic of a free society and a democratic political regime, and therefore, it is protected by international conventions and national laws due to its great significance. The year 2010 has seen, as a result of the continued internal division in the Palestinian political regime between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, a significant decline in regard to the exercise by Palestinian citizens of these rights. In this chapter, we will be discussing the reality of media freedoms, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to freedom of belief, the right to peaceful assembly, and violations against human rights defenders in Palestine during 2010. I. Media Freedoms The year 2010 marked a significant and unprecedented increase in the number of attacks against the personal freedom of Palestinian journalists. These violations took place despite the fact that the Basic Law guarantees personal freedom and considers any attacks against it as a crime punishable by law. The Basic Law even guarantees fair compensation for any individual whose personal freedom has been violated or had any of his/her basic rights attacked. ICHR has monitored a series of types of violations which caused harm not only to journalists, but also to journalism as a whole, exemplified by the suppression and restriction of freedom of the press and the blockade of the press through a policy pursued by the police and security agencies of the two Governments. The most conspicuous violations afflicting and affecting journalists included arrest and questioning, physical attacks, the accusation of some media of bias and non‐ professionalism, as well as threats. Furthermore, journalists were forbidden to convene press conferences or cover field events. The printing and distribution of some daily and weekly newspapers was banned, media institutions and centers were stormed, and shots were fired on some media institutions. It was also noticed that journalists were prohibited from participating in training sessions or travel abroad. In sum, the deterioration of media freedoms was a reflection of the continuing tension between Fatah and Hamas.