territories, as well as the changes in the status and the demographic structures of those territories, are illegal under international law and contrary to the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war, as specified in Council resolution 242(1967). 41. The Netherlands is therefore deeply concerned by the Israeli policy on settlements. During the last year, Israel has once again maintained and developed its exist- ing settlements and established yet more new ones. Each construction or expansion of a settlement will only increase the strong and justified resentment of the inhabit- ants of the occupied territories. Moreover, the stated intention of the Israeli Government further to expand the settlement programme can only serve to undermine the necessary basis for dialogue and trust, which are essential pr&equ?sites for any constructive negotiations to reach a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East. 42. The Netherlands strongly supports the call by the President of the United States for thd immediate adoption of a settlement freeze by Israel. It would be an encourag- ing action on the part of the Israeli Government if the decision further to increase the number of settlements in the occupied territories were forthwith rescinded. A con- tinuation of the settlement policy, which has met with world-wide disapproval, would constitute one of the most serious obstacles to progress towards a peaceful settle- ment in the Middle East. 43. The need for a negotiated, comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict is more pressing than ever. There can be no real peace or stability in the region unless the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, with all that that implies, is recognized and laid down in a comprehensive settlement which would at the same time recognize the principle of security for all Stat& in the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic statement expressing concerns and positions on a specific political issue, the Israeli settlement policy in the occupied territories. The language used is formal and official, indicating that it may be a government statement or a resolution. The text does not mention economic development, natural resources, agriculture, forestry, fishing, industry, transport, communication, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, or culture. Instead, it focuses on the political aspect of the issue, specifically the legality and consequences of the settlement policy. It also touches on the broader context of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the need for a comprehensive settlement.

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