FM appoints envoy to lead global diplomatic efforts for release of hostages

The Foreign Ministry appoints Israel’s incoming ambassador to New Zealand Alon Roth-Snir to head the diplomatic effort to free the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He will be tasking with heading international efforts to pressure Hamas to release the at least 241 Israelis and foreigners they kidnapped on October 7.

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen says the appointment is meant to “advance international efforts in a number of forums that will assist in the speedy release of all the hostages.”

Shuli Davidovich, who is the Foreign Ministry’s coordinator for captives and missing, will continue serving as the ministry representative on the team led by point man Gal Hirsch, including heading the team’s meeting with foreign diplomats who come to Israel.

The pair will also be the contact people for the families of the hostages at the Foreign Ministry.