new settlements in the occupied West Bank. As you know, more than JOO Jewish settlements have been established in the territory which Israel has occupied since 1967. In addition, you will recall that, in a previ­ ous communication of 8 November 1982 [S/15482]. I drew your attention to lsraer s declared policy, re­ ferred to in The Nell' York Times, which is to settle up to 400,000 Jews in the West Bank in the next five years and 1.4 million Jews over the next 30 years. The change in the demographic structure of the oc­ cupied territories which will result. and which consti­ tutes a direct violation of the resolutions of the General '''Circulated under the double symbol A/38l78-S/15572. [Original: French] ·[24 January /983] Assembly and the Security Council. can only exacer· bate an already tense and explosive situation. As to the repressive measures purportedly taken against the Palestinians in the occupied territories. the Committee has learned that the occupying authorities have adopted a policy of mass arrests. assembling trade unionists. students. teachers. writers and jour­ nalists in order to question them and in many cases putting them in prison. The Israeli newspaper Ha"aret~ stated on 26 December 1982 and 6 January 1983 that the persons called .. Palestinians detained for security reasons .. have started a hunger strike in protest against the inhuman conditions of detention in the prisons of AI-Khalil and Jenin. In view of the increased gravity and number of the measures taken by the occupying authorities. I take this opportunity to urge. on behalf of the Committee. that you assist 1n these difficult times in ensuring re­ spect for the civil rights of the Palestinian people. I should be grateful if you would arrange for this letter to be circulated as a document of the General 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a diplomatic communication, focusing on the situation in the occupied West Bank, specifically addressing the establishment of Jewish settlements and the treatment of Palestinians. The language used is formal and diplomatic, indicating a formal communication between international organizations or governments. The content deals with human rights, international law, and political tensions, suggesting that the category should be related to international relations or humanitarian issues.

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