Gal Hirsch

Was Israel honest about the war's past, Gaza's future?

Unpack the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire and the mounting frustrations of hostage families in a post-war world.

This week's episode of The Deep Dive explores the complex and uncertain path forward for Gaza's governance following phase II announcements.
 GAL HIRSCH, the government’s liaison on the issue of the hostages, arrives for a meeting earlier this month with families of those held in Gaza, and with hostages since released.

Former hostages, families say Gal Hirsch threatened them into silence on Netanyahu

Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch

Gal Hirsch: 'Hamas planned to hold Israeli hostages for 10 years' - interview

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the press following Ran Gvili's return to Israel on January 27, 2026.

Netanyahu claims IDF Gaza losses due to lack of ammunition, Trump improved situation


Israel committed to securing release of all hostages, Gal Hirsch tells families

“As in the past, I will do my utmost to stay in contact with you from there as well, as much as possible," Hirsch said in a message to the families of the hostages.

A massive banner has been unfurled at Hostages Square during the two-year rally with a direct appeal to President Trump: “It’s Now or Never”

Ben-Gvir pushes terrorist death penalty bill despite PMO warnings it could endanger hostage deal

Despite objections from officials and hostage families, the Knesset panel pushed forward a bill Ben-Gvir says is key to deterrence against terrorism.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attends a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on September 28, 2025.

After negotiation team recalled from Doha, hostage coordinator promises 'talks are continuing'

“The negotiation team has been operating in Doha for 18 days. During this extended period, we have come a long way in order to make progress," said Hirsch.

 Families of hostages, former hostages, and supporters march to the US embassy branch in Tel Aviv, calling for the release of all hostages, July 19, 2025.

Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal possible, despite Hamas changes to truce proposal - exclusive

The gaps between Israel and Hamas are narrow, a source familiar with the talks told The Jerusalem Post.

 Families of Israelis who were killed in recent war and of hostages held in the Gaza Strip set up a tent near the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, urging the government not to end the war in Gaza, July 6, 2025.

Hostage mother Ruhama Bohbot describes her suffering after seeing Hamas's video of son

Ruhama Bohbot, mother of hostage Elkana Bohbot, spoke with Netanyahu after Hamas released a video showing her son and another captive alive.

 Ruhama Bohbot holding a picture of her son, on a poster reading "Don't leave my son behind."

Trump threatens ceasefire deal after seeing 'emaciated' Israeli hostages

Or Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, and Eli Sharabi appeared on Saturday morning, looking very frail with sunken faces, leading to comparisons with those liberated from the Holocaust death camps.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. February 4, 2025

Coordinator for hostages returns to Israel before fifth wave of hostage release

Hirsch will update Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the fifth wave of hostage releases while the Israeli leader is meeting with US officials in Washington, DC.

 Gal Hirsch, the government's point man on missing and kidnapped citizens attends the lobby for releasing the remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, April 10, 2024.

Israel offers Sinwar safe passage out of Gaza in exchange for hostages 

“I’m ready to provide safe passage to Sinwar, his family, whoever wants to join him. We want the hostages back," Israel’s chief negotiator for hostages and missing persons, Gal Hirsch, said.

 A pro-Palestinian protester holds up a portrait of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar outside of a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in New York City, U.S., August 14, 2024.

Israeli hostage negotiator: 'Hamas is killing hostages in Gaza as we negotiate'

Hirsch also noted that the war will not end under pressure. “There is a direct correlation between the international pressure on Israel and Hamas' desire to negotiate."

 MEAD conference

Most Gaza hostages are held in Rafah, Israel's hostage coordinator says

"We do not want to cause collateral damage. Rafah has many people there that Hamas uses right now as human shields," Gal Hirsch stressed.

 GAL HIRSCH, the government’s liaison on the issue of the hostages, arrives for a meeting earlier this month with families of those held in Gaza, and with hostages since released.