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.

Meeting in Johannesburg addresses major international issues

Having consistently called for an end to the illegal blockade of Gaza, The Elders condemn Israel's attack on an aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip. At the group's biannual meeting in Johannesburg, they address several other major international issues including the peace process in Sudan and political reform in Zimbabwe.