Lilly Cheslaw

Head of Programming

Lilly Cheslaw leads the programming for The Observer’s live events, having previously curated Tortoise Media’s ThinkIn programme, Responsible Business gatherings and the KITE Festival of music and ideas. Prior to Tortoise, Lilly worked between the UK and the Middle East at Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, US/Middle East Project and the Charities Advisory Trust.

Lilly Cheslaw

Head of Programming

Is Marwan Barghouti Palestine’s next leader?

The son of the jailed Palestinian leader has called on Keir Starmer to lobby for his freedom

Mon, 22 Sept 2025

Ceasefire in Gaza

After just over two years of devastating war, a ceasefire has finally been announced in Gaza.   Host: Ada Barumé Writer & Producer: Amalie Sortland, with reporting by Lilly Cheslaw and Steve Bloomfield Episode Photography: Joe Mee Executive producer: Rebecca Moore

9 min • S1, E1209

Mass starvation warnings in Gaza

Israel’s military offensive is testing allies’ patience to breaking point

Wed, 21 May 2025

The death of a Palestinian activist in the West Bank

A Palestinian activist, shot by an Israeli settler, filmed his own death. The Israeli authorities have said the settler, who runs an outpost in the occupied West Bank, will not face charges.  

9 min • S1, E1168