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.

Blood collection tubes pictured during the annual blood collection campaign 'Bloedserieus', organised by the Red Cross Flanders, on Monday 12 May 2025, at Training centre ZoWe Campus Brugge.

Health ministry investigates malfunction in BRCA screening test after false negative results

Surgeons place a tissue sample in a test tube on June 7, 2019

Israel reviews cancer diagnoses after malfunction in Roche test kits for tumors

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

Israeli infant becomes eighth measles fatality amid nationwide outbreak


Less than 300 calories a day: Hostages face long-term effects from starvation

Professor Yuval Khalad, an expert in human physiology, explains what happens to the body step by step as it enters a state of extreme, prolonged hunger, and what the long-term effects could be.

EVYATAR DAVID, a 24-year-old hostage, is seen in a Hamas video released last month. While our hostages starve in tunnels, the world remains blind to their suffering, the writer charges.

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

Since their release from captivity, some of the freed hostages have already returned home, while others are still hospitalized under close supervision.

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

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

New data indicates that life expectancy in Israel has jumped to almost a full additional year, leaving Israel at #4 in OECD rankings.

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

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

"The Israel News app is now available. Download it and share your thoughts. Exclusive to Israelis. Currently available only on Windows," the post's caption reads. 

Naftali Bennett.

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.