Agora in the News

In Gaza, the ceasefire has not brought peace. Rival armed groups from powerful clans like the Doghmush to militias backed by Israel are now challenging Hamas's authority. Our investigation traces how these factions emerged, where they operate, and how Israel’s strategy of “activating” local groups may be reshaping Gaza’s future.

On the 9th of October 2025, a ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Hamas. Khalil Sayegh, a Palestinian analyst and head of the Agora Initiative, discusses details of the agreement, the future of Hamas in Gaza, and broader prospects of peacemaking.

The Israeli military says it's begun operational preparations to implement the proposal in Gaza that aim to ending the two year long war. Meanwhile, Hamas is calling on the US to ensure Israel adheres to President Donald Trump's peace plan.

Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal to end the Israel-Hamas war has Palestinians divided. Amid the death, destruction, and decaying hope, is this deal the only way out? It has been two years since Hamas’ October 7 attacks. The vast majority of its military leadership has been killed. An estimated 66,000 Palestinians have died, and 90% of homes have been damaged or destroyed. The UN has declared both a famine and a genocide in Gaza. For two years, Palestinian civilians have paid the price for Hamas’ actions.

Political analyst Khalil Sayegh joins "On Balance" to discuss his experiences with Hamas after growing up in Gaza, and how his current work documents their crimes against Gazans, as well as Israel's war crimes.

Khalil Sayegh is a Palestinian Christian from Gaza - and his story about his family, Israeli occupation, Hamas, and the current genocide is incredibly powerful, and must be heard.

A fresh UN report says Israel's warfare in Gaza is consistent with the characteristics of genocide. The researchers found mass civilian casualties and life-threatening conditions were intentionally instigated on Palestinians. The damning report by the UN's Special Committee comes after nine-months of research into Israel's activities in Gaza and across the occupied territories. Political analyst and the president of the Agora Initiative Khalil Sayegh explains.

American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander has reunited with his family in Israel hours after he was released by Hamas. His release marks the first since Israel broke an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March - launching air strikes that have since killed hundreds more Palestinians. Political analyst Khalil Sayegh explains why Netanyahu is an obstacle to releasing other hostages.

A Conversation with Gaza-born political analyst Khalil Sayegh

Two Christian women – an elderly mother and her daughter – were shot dead by an Israeli soldier on the grounds of a Catholic church in Gaza City, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has said.