Meet the People Behind The Agora Initiative

Khalil Sayegh is the Executive Director and founder of Agora Initiative and a political analyst focused on the Palestinian- Israeli conflict. Khalil lived most of his life in Gaza and the West Bank, where he was involved in political activism and humanitarian initiatives. Previously Khalil worked on several international organizations focusing on promoting freedom of religion and rule of law in the Middle East, he served on the board of several humanitarian organizations and grassroots peace organizations.

Khalil has extensive experience working with diverse religious and political groups and he is passionate about depolarization political conservation. In addition to his expertise in Middle East politics, he has also served in different religious institutions, churches, and is still passionate about the intersection of religion and politics.

Khalil’s writing is featured in several outlines, including Al-monitor, The New Arab, Economist, and WSJ. He is regularly on TV to offer analyses, including BBC, ABC Australia, and Al Jazeera. He holds a Masters in Political Science from American University, and Bachelor Degree in Biblical studies from Bethlehem Bible college.

A Palestinian activist from the Gaza Strip residing in Turkey.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, and has worked with several organizations in Gaza that focused on children's and women's rights, psychological and social support, and community awareness, such as UNICEF and USAID. These experiences shaped his ability in the power of communication, research, and article writing.

Mahmoud Jouda is a lawyer and activist based in Jabalia, north of Gaza City. He has been actively involved in a range of social and political initiatives across Palestine, with a strong commitment to social change and the defense of human rights. Mahmoud is deeply engaged in the Palestinian struggle for peace and the end of the Israeli occupation.

Recognized for his strong communication skills, he plays a key role in fostering dialogue between diverse social groups in Gaza. Despite the ongoing challenges, Mahmoud remains dedicated to contributing to the creation of a more just and humane society. Mahmoud holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.). While the LL.B from Palestine University in Gaza, Palestine.

Roaa Shamallakh is a Palestinian storyteller and digital marketer from Gaza, currently based in Egypt. She leads the social media and storytelling efforts at The Agora Initiative, where she crafts and curates narratives that reflect the lived realities of those affected by conflict and injustice.

With a background in English literature and journalism, Roaa views storytelling as a powerful tool for truth-telling, connection, and change.

She has worked with regional and international organizations to shape clear, purposeful communication that centers people's struggles.

Roaa is committed to creating space for honest voices and building narratives that challenge silence, foster empathy, and speak to the human spirit.