Dr. Itay Gal

Dr. Itay Gal is the medical correspondent for Maariv, Ynet, and Yedioth Ahronoth and has published thousands of articles and books and edited and presented news bulletins on the radio and television.

His publications led, among other things, to thousands of signatures on an Adi card for organ donation and to the collection of donations for sick children whose lives were saved.

In parallel to his journalistic and news work, Dr. Gal is a specialist in pediatrics, sports, and aviation medicine and a graduate student with a master's degree in health systems management at Bar-Ilan University.

Released hostage Nimrod Cohen arrives to Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv, October 13, 2025.

Behind the medical decision: Why some hostages were released from hospitals earlier than others

Senior citizens enjoy a tour of the Kiryat Meir neighbourhood of Tel Aviv. July 28, 2024.

Longer life, lower expenditure: Israel ranks fourth in life expectancy among OECD countries

Naftali Bennett.

Former PM Naftali Bennett's X account posts suspicious scam link in apparent hack


Far from over: Released Gaza hostages begin road to recovery

Many of the additional hostages are expected to be released in the coming days.

Released hostage Nimrod Cohen arrives to Ichilov hospital in Tel Aviv, October 13, 2025.

Personal nutritionist, tailored menu: Returning Gaza hostages given strict diet as rehab begins

As one of the dietitians accompanying the hostages said: "The food here is not just fuel for the body, it is also part of the emotional healing process."

Released hostage Avinatan Or arrives to Beilinson hospital, October 13, 2025.

Dr to Maariv: Each hostage receives personalized dietitian, choosing food important psychologically

Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus's Prof. Noa Elikim Raz and Dr. Sigal Frishman discuss the care and rehabilitation process for the 20 hostages recently freed from Hamas captivity.

Dr Sigal Frishman, head of nutrition at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus, October 2025.

Hostages arriving at hospital combines 'excitement, anxiety, tears of relief,' doctor tells Maariv

Rabin Medical Center's Dr. Lena Feldman Koren shares insights on the emotional and medical care provided to returning hostages, detailing the preparations, personalized treatment for their recovery.

Deputy Director of the Rabin Medical Center, and Director of the center's Beilinson Campus, Dr. Lena Feldman Koren (R) with released hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal, October 13, 2025.

What hormonal changes, psychological effects mean for freed captives - explainer

In their first few days back to freedom, the hostages will need, and are set to have, a full support system of doctors, psychologists, and dietitians.

Released hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal waves the Israeli flag as he arrives to Beilinson hospital, October 13, 2025.

Health Ministry instructs hospitals to prepare for treatment of hostages under severe malnutrition

According to estimates by health system officials, most of the abductees now returning to Israel suffered from severe malnutrition and are at risk of developing "refeeding syndrome."

Visitors at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, October 05, 2025.

Israel readies DNA and CT scans to identify hostages’ remains

Teams are preparing to identify the fallen hostages, determine the causes of death, and support families, using scientific methods and human compassion

 View of the entrance to the L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir. October 17, 2024.

Israeli forensic team completes preparations to identify bodies of 28 hostages

Dozens of experts are preparing for one of Israel’s most difficult operations: the identification of 28 Israeli hostages whose bodies are being returned from Hamas captivity.

 Israeli security forces stand guard at the L. Greenberg Institute of Forensic Medicine at Abu Kabir, February 20, 2025.

Three children hospitalized after eating cannabis-laced cookies

According to their parents, the family had traveled to visit Ramallah, where at a candy stall the children asked to buy cookies that "looked like Oreos.”

 Cannabis

The tragedy continues: Seventh Jerusalem baby dies from measles

A 1-year-old toddler in Jerusalem died from measles, marking the seventh fatality in the outbreak. The Ministry of Health stresses the disease is preventable through vaccination.

 Doctors treating a baby incubated suffering from a measles infection; illustrative