The European Union can help revitalise the peace process, say Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson in Dublin

Following meetings with Irish leaders, European diplomats and civil society organisations, The Elders urge the EU to help safeguard the two-state solution by introducing labelling guidelines for Israeli settlement goods.

“The UN vote can be a catalyst for genuine negotiations between Israel and Palestine on a more equal footing” – Jimmy Carter

The Elders commend today's vote to recognise Palestine as a non-member observer state, and express their hope that this result will represent an important step towards peace and security for all Palestinians and Israelis.

‘The two-state solution is vanishing’ – Jimmy Carter, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Mary Robinson urge a fresh approach to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East

The Elders have concluded a two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank by saying that the two-state solution is in deep peril; but that it remains the only realistic path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

Press conference in Jerusalem on Monday 22 October
Press conference in Cairo on Tuesday 23 October

Gro Harlem Brundtland, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson will visit Israel, the West Bank and Egypt. While in the Middle East they aim to draw attention to the imperilled two-state solution and lend their support to the Egyptian democratic transition.

European Union should adopt a strong common position

The Elders announce their support for a UN resolution endorsing Palestinian statehood. The group has written to EU Foreign Ministers urging them to support the Palestinian appeal.

After rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas sign a reconciliation agreement, The Elders urge regional neighbours and the international community, especially the United States, Israel and the European Union, to support this development as an essential step towards peace.

Desmond Tutu: Middle East peace process must be restarted along new, fairer lines

The Elders express concern about the United States' decision to veto a UN resolution condemning Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian Territories, and fear that this failure to take a principled stance will prove detrimental to the peace process.

Demands for freedom and respect for basic rights are no less urgent in West Bank and Gaza

The Elders urge Washington to support a draft resolution – co-sponsored by more than 140 UN Member States – that calls for an end to Israeli settlement activity, which is both illegal under international law and a major obstacle to achieving a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Israeli-Palestinian negotiations must be grounded in international law and human rights – define borders and address security issues first

After years of peace negotiations that have failed to bring Israelis and Palestinians a lasting peace, The Elders call for a renewed effort towards a two-state solution – one which is firmly grounded in international law and human rights.

With non-violent Palestinian activist Abdallah Abu Rahmah facing a possible extension of his prison sentence, The Elders - who met Abu Rahmah during their last visit to the region - call on the Israeli authorities to release him immediately, without conditions.