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.

"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.

Lakhdar Brahimi looks back on his experience as a mediator in Lebanon and suggests that unity in Cyprus - even through an imperfect agreement - would be far better than the ongoing division.

Lakhdar Brahimi recently chaired a panel discussion in London with two members of the Goldstone inquiry, Professor Christine Chinkin and Colonel Desmond Travers, a former member of Israel’s Knesset, Ami Ayalon, and Palestinian lawyer Karma Nabulsi. Here, he answers questions from the Elders’ team on some of the issues raised by the speakers and the audience.

Following his latest visit to the island, Jimmy Carter argues that the current situation represents possibly the best opportunity we have seen for a solution in Cyprus.

Ahead of The Elders' visit to the Middle East, Gro Brundtland blogs about her long-standing engagement in the region and of her belief in dialogue as a precursor to peace.