“We are joining those voices sounding a warning call: the two-state solution is at risk of collapse.”

Returning from a recent Elders visit to the Middle East, Gro Harlem Brundtland argues that the upcoming Palestinian bid for non-member observer state status at the UN General Assembly is an opportunity to break the current stalemate – and an important step towards securing peace for the region.

Fernando H Cardoso argues that the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas presents a new opportunity for Israel to negotiate with a unified Palestinian leadership – and ultimately to pursue a viable two-state solution with the Palestinians.

With the Fatah-Hamas unity deal so far producing little meaningful change for most Palestinians, Lakhdar Brahimi argues that the parties must commit to working together in order to rebuild Gaza, hold credible elections, and present a unified Palestinian voice on the international stage.

After the Elders' visit to Jerusalem, Mary Robinson argues that the severe hardships affecting the city's Palestinian residents makes an overall solution to the conflict less likely.

"Where is the outcry?" Jimmy Carter expresses his disappointment at the reluctance of political leaders to take bold action and argues that Arab countries have the potential to break the Middle East stalemate.

"Peace, they may say, is a long way off. But as you know my friends, I am a prisoner of hope." Desmond Tutu writes a message to his fellow Elders as they travel to Jerusalem.

Describing the troubling extent of the poverty in Gaza, Lakhdar Brahimi argues that the international community must do more to ensure that young Gazans have access to education and opportunity.

Reflecting on the Elders' visit to Gaza, Ela Bhatt wonders: "How do we make the people with weapons irrelevant?"

Mary Robinson argues that the continued isolation of Gaza is immoral, inhumane and completely counterproductive.

Ahead of the Elders' second visit to the Middle East, Fernando Henrique Cardoso - who led last year's delegation to the region - wishes his fellow Elders well.