political settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict. With regard to immediate measures, the chief concern is to assure the protection of the civilian population. As the occupying Power, Israel must act in accordance with the obligations prescribed in the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection Of Civilian Persons in Time of War, to which that country is a party. It is our expectation that the Israeli authorities will be convinced of the need to accept the de jure applicability of the Geneva Convention to the occupied territories and to comply with all its provisions. While stressing the urgent need to adopt immediate measures, we mustYof course place the situation in the occupied territor'ies in its proper perspective. It is but a consequence of a broader underlying problem - the continued reluctance of some to recognize the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, independence and sovereignty in its own territory and the reluctance of others to acknowledge the right of all the States in the region, including Israel, to live in peace within secure and internationally recognized boundaries. These questions must be adequately addressed, so that a just, comprehensive and lasting political solution can be attained in the Middle East. we believe will contribute s/pv. 2786 31 \ (Mr. Nogueira-Batista, Brazil) that the Security Council should at this stage take such action as to redressing the situation in the occupied territories while at the same time clearly demonstrating its readiness to act as a focal point for the discussion of possible ways of setting in motion the peace process in the Middle East. Let us hope that in our deliberations we will be able to proceed with determination, and in a manner that will make possible the attainment of those short-term and long-term objectives. Mr. SABRE (Senegal)(interpretation from French): The promptness and 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a diplomatic statement discussing the situation in the occupied territories, specifically the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the need for a political settlement. It emphasizes the protection of the civilian population and the importance of addressing the underlying issues of self-determination, independence, and sovereignty.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International relations