This blog is based on Archbishop Tutu’s contribution to a debate hosted by the Forgiveness Project. He was joined by Mary Kayitesi Blewitt, who lost over 50 members of her family in the Rwandan genocide of 1994, Jo Berry, the daughter of Sir Anthony Berry who was killed in the IRA Brighton bombing in 1984, and by Pat Magee, a former IRA activist convicted of the bombing.

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.

During the filming of their documentary on the search for missing persons in Cyprus, Desmond Tutu exchanged his views on remembrance and reconciliation with his fellow Elders and the young Cypriots travelling with them. For Archbishop Tutu, forgiving the transgressions of those you once considered the enemy is to bring peace inside your own heart.

Ahead of his return to Cyprus, Desmond Tutu blogs about achieving peace and reconciliation through honest dialogue.