Mossad director David Barnea visited Qatar over the weekend and held discussions with senior Qatari officials regarding their ongoing efforts to secure the release of over 235 Israeli and foreign nationals who were taken hostage and brought to Gaza during the October 7 terrorist attack, Axios is reporting. Qatar is currently playing a central role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas on this matter, with the Biden administration also involved due to the presence of American hostages among those held by Hamas. Director Barnea’s trip to Doha occurred after the initiation of the ground operation. Although the hostage talks have been described as positive and constructive, they have not yet resulted in a breakthrough, according to two sources familiar with the issue. However, a third source briefed on the talks indicated that progress had been made. Both the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the Qatari Foreign Ministry have not provided comments on the matter. As of now, there has been no response from a Hamas spokesperson. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)