“The UN vote can be a catalyst for genuine negotiations between Israel and Palestine on a more equal footing” – Jimmy Carter

The Elders commend today's vote to recognise Palestine as a non-member observer state, and express their hope that this result will represent an important step towards peace and security for all Palestinians and Israelis.

Press conference in Jerusalem on Monday 22 October
Press conference in Cairo on Tuesday 23 October

Gro Harlem Brundtland, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson will visit Israel, the West Bank and Egypt. While in the Middle East they aim to draw attention to the imperilled two-state solution and lend their support to the Egyptian democratic transition.

European Union should adopt a strong common position

The Elders announce their support for a UN resolution endorsing Palestinian statehood. The group has written to EU Foreign Ministers urging them to support the Palestinian appeal.

Desmond Tutu: Middle East peace process must be restarted along new, fairer lines

The Elders express concern about the United States' decision to veto a UN resolution condemning Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian Territories, and fear that this failure to take a principled stance will prove detrimental to the peace process.

Demands for freedom and respect for basic rights are no less urgent in West Bank and Gaza

The Elders urge Washington to support a draft resolution – co-sponsored by more than 140 UN Member States – that calls for an end to Israeli settlement activity, which is both illegal under international law and a major obstacle to achieving a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Israeli-Palestinian negotiations must be grounded in international law and human rights – define borders and address security issues first

After years of peace negotiations that have failed to bring Israelis and Palestinians a lasting peace, The Elders call for a renewed effort towards a two-state solution – one which is firmly grounded in international law and human rights.

“Doing a short-term deal on settlements to restart direct talks is desperate and wrong” – Mary Robinson

The Elders remind Israel, the United States and the international community that settlement expansion is illegal under international law – any short-term moratorium on Israeli settlement activity is a step backwards for the peace process.

The possibility of a viable two-state solution being eroded by settlement expansion, Palestinian home demolitions and deportations

Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt and Jimmy Carter are in the Middle East to encourage support for a two-state solution, but also to highlight issues that stand in the way of achieving “a just and secure peace for all”. They conclude their week-long visit to the region on Friday. During their visit to the region they have held meetings in Gaza, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the West Bank.

Palestinians suffering from division and lack of regional support; low expectations among Arab countries that peace talks will succeed

With regional neighbours expressing low expectations of the current Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, The Elders call on Fatah and Hamas to provide a unified Palestinian leadership and urge greater regional support to revitalise negotiations on a two-state solution.

Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt and Lakhdar Brahimi say the isolation of Gaza is not only illegal collective punishment, but also an impediment to peace. President Carter will join his fellow Elders in Egypt on their return from Gaza.

After visiting Gaza during their week-long visit to the Middle East, Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt and Lakhdar Brahimi condemn the illegal blockade of Gaza saying that it not only helps to perpetuate dire humanitarian conditions, but is also an impediment to peace.