For the 12th year in a row, and at an unprecedented level not seen since 1967, the Israeli occupying authorities have continued to impose an unjust siege on the Gaza Strip. Catastrophic consequences of the siege have affected all aspects of life of the protected Palestinian population under relevant rules of international law. Israel imposes severe restrictions on the movement of persons, including patients and students, and goods. The blockade is a reflection of the Israeli policy, which aims at destroying Palestinian territorial integrity, isolating the West Bank from the Gaza Strip, and cutting both areas off from the city of Jerusalem. It is meant to put an end to the two-state solution and the potential for Palestinian statehood both in theory and in practice. In 2018, the serious internal Palestinian political divide also continued, exacerbating the suffering of Palestinians. Although the State of Palestine has acceded to most international human rights conventions, the status of human rights continued to decline against the backdrop of critically impaired tools of accountability. In particular, the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) is out of session and does not play its fundamental legislative role. Other oversight tools were also inadequate, particularly in relation to the right to freedom of expression and right to freedom of peaceful assembly. The internal Palestinian political divide caused political rivals to pay a hefty price. Provision of basic service was thrust into the midst of political conflict, seriously impacting Palestinian fundamental rights. Various parties have failed to deliver on the understandings reached under national reconciliation agreements. In particular, the government lacked empowerment to fully perform its functions in the Gaza Strip. It also continued to enforce measures, namely, suspension or deduction of the Gaza-based civil servants’ salaries. Year after year, the ICHR continues its path as a national human rights institution. The ICHR upholds the mission of defending human rights and rule of law. It plays an oversight role, provides capacity building to various official institutions, and promotes partnerships and joint action with justice actors, law enforcement agencies, line ministries, government bodies, and civil society organisations. The ICHR continued to work on its internal structure, renewed its Board of Commissioners, elected a new Executive Office and Commissioner General, and supported the Board of Commissioners with youthful energy, a variety of specialisations and rich experience. Led by its Director General and staff, the ICHR maintained an internal participatory approach and upgraded operating systems and tools, contributing to more institutional stability and ensuring response to all changes posed by the work environment and various political developments. All these breakthroughs have dramatically consolidated the ICHR role in society. Successes, visibility and effective work accomplished by the ICHR were 6 The Status of Human Rights in Palestine