A/HRC/34/38 72. International human rights law guarantees freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. 161Although restrictions on the exercise of those rights are permitted, they must be provided by law and have to be necessary for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others and for the protection of national security and order. IV. Conclusion 73. Chronic violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by all parties persisted during the reporting period. Violations by Israel of the fundamental provisions of the law of occupation continued, particularly with the closures in Gaza and the consolidation and expansion of settlements, suggesting clear patterns and policies. The transfer of parts of the Israeli and the Palestinian populations, and the lack of respect for public and private property, have profoundly altered the status quo in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. 74. The absence of law enforcement and accountability against Israeli perpetrators further contravenes the obligation of Israel as an occupying power to ensure public order and safety and to protect the Palestinian population in all circumstances. Moreover, the application of Israeli national law to Israelis in the West Bank raises concerns under international law. 75. In 2013, experts denounced the “creeping annexation” of the West Bank, preventing the establishment of a contiguous and viable Palestinian State and undermining the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. 162 The devastating impact of the Israeli occupation on the rights of the Palestinian population can only be reasserted. 76. International law violations by the Palestinian Authority, the authorities in Gaza and Palestinian armed groups are also of concern. The obligation of the Palestinian authorities to uphold human rights in the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory has to be emphasized as an essential element of the governing role of the State of Palestine. V. Recommendations 77. All violations and abuses of the human rights of the Palestinian people must immediately cease and be promptly, impartially and independently investigated and those responsible must be held accountable. All parties must respect international law and comply with their obligations and responsibilities under international human rights law. 78. All parties, including Palestinian armed groups, shall respect the applicable rules of international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, and ensure accountability for all violations. 79. All previous recommendations of the United Nations human rights treaty bodies and other mechanisms of the Secretary-General and of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights that remain valid, as well as the recommendations of commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions, must be fully and promptly implemented. 80. All States parties to the Geneva Conventions should take measures to ensure the respect of the Conventions by all sides. 81. Israel must end and reverse all settlement activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and lift the situation of blockade in Gaza. 161 162 16 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, arts. 19 and 21-22. See A/HRC/22/63, para. 101.