5 Preface This is the Annual Report 2020 of the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR). Reflecting the human rights situation in the Palestinian territory, the report presents the outcome of the diligent work and ongoing activity carried out by the ICHR staff under extremely challenging circumstances throughout the Palestinian territory. In addition to monitoring and documentation, in 2020, the ICHR received complaints from citizens and intervened with government bodies. By publishing its Annual Report on the Situation of Human Rights, the ICHR aims to shed light on the status of human rights and public freedoms in Palestine, serving the inherent right of citizens and various community actors to access relevant information. The report showcases the outcome of another year of the reality of, and respect for, human rights by duty bearers. The ICHR also seeks to draw conclusions and come up with recommendations to be implemented, contributing to the respect for citizens’ rights, promoting human rights, redressing injustices done to citizens and social groups, and creating an enabling environment for observing these rights. Respect for human rights reflects appreciation of the intrinsic dignity of the human person. It is the prescription that inevitably contributes to maintaining community safety and stability. It produces informed and free citizens, who take an active part in political, social, and cultural action, build their own society on grounds of equality, and renounce violence, hatred, and discrimination against any background. This year saw a decline in respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms with the continued occupation of the Palestinian territory by Israel, the occupying Power. In the apparent absence of justice and accountability, Israel has consistently defied the rules of International Law, particularly International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and committed countless practices, which amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Israeli occupying authorities continued to carry out settlement activity throughout, and transfer the Israeli civilian population to, the Palestinian territory. Israeli settlers continued to perpetrate organised crime against Palestinian civilians and property. Israel imposed collective punishment on Palestinians and engaged in the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian residents of the city of Jerusalem, particularly in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. A frenzied displacement activity was designed to seize Palestinian homes and properties. For the 14th year in a row, Israel has imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip, placing severe restrictions on the movement of persons and goods. The blockade has undermined the humanitarian situation on an unprecedented scale, mainly resulting in widespread poverty, high unemployment, and lack of access to already impaired basic services. In addition, the Israeli occupying forces continued to use lethal force, arbitrary and administrative detention (arrest without charge or trial), torture, and ill‐treatment against Palestinian detainees. In violation of IHL rules, these Palestinians continExecutive Summary 2020