Eps 16: Khalil Sayegh - From Gaza to the Agora Initiative: On Faith, Democracy and Humanising the Other

On today’s episode of Israel & Palestine Unpacked, we speak with Khalil Sayegh, a Palestinian Christian political analyst and peace advocate, born into a refugee family in the Gaza Strip. Raised amid the Second Intifada and the 2008 Gaza War, Khalil’s early years were marked by deep fear and resentment. But his Christian faith led him on a transformative path toward empathy, dialogue, and mutual recognition.

Now based in the U.S., Khalil holds degrees from Bethlehem Bible College and American University, and is the co-founder of the Agora Initiative, which promotes liberal democratic values in the Middle East. In this conversation, he reflects on growing up as a Christian under Hamas rule, the power of humanizing the “other,” and his bold call for Palestinians to acknowledge Jewish peoplehood—and for Israelis to recognize Palestinian identity.

It’s a thought-provoking conversation on courage, change, and the future of peacebuilding.

Twitter/X: @IAPUnpacked

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558747507898

Email: [e-mail]

Additionally, if you know anyone who you feel would like to be interviewed or possibly fits the description, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Pádraig