There has been deep concern wer these military actions against the just and legitimate quest for pea-, freedom and dignity for a people long subjugated. There was optimism Over the developments which hegap in 1988, when in this very city the State of Palestine initiated a process of aczonmxlation and moderation which was widely welcomed as a turning-point for peace in the Middle East. The EWve S/PV. ig23 293 (Mr. Rasaputram, Sri Lanka) Palestinian people and their legitimate representatives have continued to pursue aa advmm this process of accommodation ana dialogue. It is indeed regrettable that suck peace overtures , made under such trying conditions, have not been reciprocated by the occupying authorities. Recent dwelopaents in the aacupiea territories signify that peace overtures by the Palestinian people have been fespon&d to with increasing military measures and highly provocative immigrant policies. It is ironic that the occupying Power seems to ignore the self-evident truth that such an approach would sustain the intifadah. The international community hirs long urged that the withdrawal of Israel from territories occupied by it@ the halting and nullifying of measures taken to establish illegal settlements, the restoration of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and arrangements to guarantee the security and political independence of every State in the region, including Palestine i4na Israel, constitute prerequisites for enduring peace in the Middle East. The cx>m@lex cluster of issues that threaten peace and security fn the Middle East cannot be addressed without solving the wre issue, which is the question of Palestine. St was in that context that the international community encouraged the far-eighted and constructive initiative that was taken by Palestine over a Jest ago to restore the national rights of the Palestinian people in an environment in which 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a political statement or a diplomatic document, discussing the situation in the Middle East, specifically the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It mentions military actions, occupied territories, settlements, and the rights of the Palestinian people, indicating a focus on political and security issues. The language used is formal and diplomatic, suggesting an official or institutional context.

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