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.

Mary Robinson to lead Elders’ delegation of Lakhdar Brahimi, Ela Bhatt and Jimmy Carter.

The Elders will visit Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories in support of “a just and secure peace for all.”

As they embark on their second visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories, The Elders encourage regional support for the current final status negotiations and emphasise that justice, security and inclusiveness must be at the heart of any lasting peace agreement.

Palestinian activist Abdallah Abu Rahmah, who greatly impressed the Elders during their visit to the West Bank with his commitment to peaceful protest, was convicted by an Israeli military court for his involvement in non-violent demonstrations against the separation barrier that divides the people of Bil'in from their land.

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.