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.

Ihab Hassan is a Palestinian Christian, peace activist, and human rights advocate from Ramallah. He holds a BA in political science from Birzeit University and a Master’s in human rights from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

He serves as the director of the Human Rights for Gaza project under The Agora Initiative, where he leads efforts to document human rights abuses committed by Hamas in Gaza and to bring justice to victims often overlooked or ignored.

Driven by a deep commitment to justice, dignity, and reconciliation, Ihab works to promote peace between Palestinians and Israelis by confronting injustice wherever it exists.

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.