associated with the complex of courts in the El-Bireh city on 12 March 2017.9 In relation to administrative and criminal accountability mechanisms, it was noted that security agencies did not adequately respond to the ICHR correspondence. The ICHR documented two major encroachments on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. On 13 June 2018, security personnel and individuals in plain clothes, some of whom were not members of security agencies, attacked violently peaceful demonstrators, who demanded that sanctions and actions taken against the Gaza Strip be suspended. On the next day, supported by civilian persons, Gaza-based security agencies assaulted demonstrators, who participated in a peaceful assembly in Al-Saraya Square in the Gaza Strip. Calling for putting an end to the internal Palestinian political divide, the demonstration was organised at the invitation of the Commission of Prisoners and Released Prisoners. Severe violence was used to disperse demonstrators. The ICHR recommends that legislative bodies align national regulations and bylaws governing the right to freedom of peaceful assembly with the international conventions, which the State of Palestine acceded to. Security agencies and the MoI should comply with the provisions of the Law No. 12 of 1998 on Public Meetings. In their capacity as the legally authorised bodies, the Public Prosecution and Judicial Authority should immediately investigate any incident involving an abuse of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly in the State of Palestine. Investigation results will be publicly announced. Those persons found to have engaged in encroachments on participants in peaceful assemblies or used excessive force contrary to relevant instructions should be held to account. 2.1.7 Right to freedom of association In 2018, 24 applications were submitted to register associations in the Gaza Strip. While 22 were approved, two applications were rejected. The MoI 9 At the direction of President Mahmoud Abbas, and in reference of the decision of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Dr. Rami Hamdallah, dated 12 March 2017, an investigation committee was set up to establish the facts of the events that took place on Sunday, 12 March 2017, in El-Bireh and Bethlehem cities. Membership on the committee included Undersecretary of the MoI, ICHR Director General, and Chairman of the Palestinian Bar Association (PBA) as a representative of the PBA. Following consultations with the ICHR and PBA, the committee was established under general terms of reference. Not bound to any specific procedures, the committee was granted independence and was immune to influence exerted by any party. The investigation committee released its report on 26 March 2017. The committee’s report also presented a set of recommendations: The Bylaw of the Law on Public Meetings of 1998 should be reviewed. An immediate and clear circular should be issued forth to all security personnel to respect journalists in the field, showing how to deal with and facilitate the tasks of media representatives. Security personnel may not assault journalists. Comprising representatives of the MoI, ICHR, PJS and PBA, a committee should be established to draft and submit these instructions to the Minister of Interior for approval. Executive Summary 2018 21