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


'Hero of Kibbutz Alumim': Israel reacts to news of final hostage Ran Gvili's return

Leaders across Israel paid tribute as the remains of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili were brought home, closing the chapter of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Itzik Gvili, father of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, places his hands on the coffin containing his son's remains, January 26, 2026.

Gal Hirsch travels to Cairo for talks on returning final hostage Ran Gvili's remains

Coordinator for Hostages Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch met with senior officials in Cairo to discuss securing the return of St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili's remains, the last hostage yet to be freed.

Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch (C) talking with President Isaac Herzog at the funeral of St.-Sgt. Daniel Oz, November 6, 2025; illustrative.

Palestinian Islamic Jihad knows where Ran Gvili's remains are, Israel insists - report

The PIJ said it has “closed the file” on Gaza hostages, claiming that it had “handed over the final remains” of captives on December 2 with the return of Sudthisak Rinthalak’s remains.

Activists hold signs calling for the return of the final two hostages' remains, including St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, at Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, November 29, 2025.

Israel, Thailand mourn together as slain Thai hostage Rinthalak returns home in touching ceremony

“Their hopes, and even their right to dream, were taken away along with their lives and freedom,” the Thailand’s ambassador to Israel said.

Relatives and friends of Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak mourn next to his coffin during a farewell ceremony before being flown to Thailand for burial, at Ben Gurion airport, near Tel Aviv, December 9, 2025.

Israel to Hamas in Cairo: Return Ran Gvili’s remains, accept Gaza disarmament terms - N12

The Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons Gal Hirsch left for Cairo for talks on Gvili's return, as well as advancement to the second phase of the hostage and ceasefire deal.

A woman holds a picture of dead hostage Ran Gvili, whose body hasn't been returned yet, as Israelis attend a rally calling for the immediate return of the remains of all hostages held in Gaza, more than two years after the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, at Hostages Square.

Israeli delegation heads to Cairo to secure release of last slain hostage Ran Gvili

At the end of the discussions, both parties agreed to an "intensive and immediate effort" to locate slain hostage Ran Gvili's remains. 

Activists hold signs calling for the return of the final two hostages' remains, including St.-Sgt.-Maj. Ran Gvili, at Hostage Square, Tel Aviv, November 29, 2025.

'Today you are finally home': Oz Daniel laid to rest after two years in Hamas captivity

Thousands of people, including family, friends, and military officials, gathered Thursday for Sergeant Major Oz Daniel's funeral. Attendees included President Herzog, MK Benny Gantz, Gal Hirsch.

Family and friends attend the funeral of Israeli soldier Oz Daniel, at the military cemetery in Kfar Saba, February, 2024.

Netanyahu backs Ben-Gvir's death penalty for terrorists law, Hirsch tells Knesset

The statements came during Ben-Gvir’s discussion and vote to advance the death penalty for terrorists bill ahead of its first reading in the plenum.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pushes for a bill to see terrorists receive the death penalty.

IDF Hostages Recovery Chief Nitzan Alon to return to civilian life

Netanyahu's personal hostage coordinator, Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, will take Alon's place.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon attends a replacing ceremony held at the IDF Central Command headquarters in Jerusalem on July 8, 2024.

Gal Hirsch tells 'Post' he will not end role until all Gaza hostages, living or dead, are returned

Hostage coordinator Gal Hirsch told The Jerusalem Post he will not step down until every hostage, living or murdered, is brought back from Gaza.

Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch attends a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset on September 28, 2025.