Mossad Chief Meets Qatari PM for Hostage Deal Talks

Mossad chief David Barnea traveled to Qatar to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani, aiming to advance negotiations for a potential hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza. Barnea's involvement comes despite his removal from the official Israeli negotiating team by Prime Minister Netanyahu, with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer now leading the team. Sources indicate Barnea is pursuing direct talks with Qatar, whereas Dermer has avoided such engagement, and his approach has been criticized for a lack of urgency and effectiveness by both hostage families and fellow negotiators. Despite these renewed efforts, reports agree that no significant progress has been made toward a deal, and no hostages have been released since Dermer took charge. Ongoing mediation by Egypt and Qatar continues, but frustration is rising among Palestinian factions, who accuse Israel of stalling and lacking commitment to a ceasefire. The situation remains fluid, with additional diplomatic initiatives anticipated but no immediate resolution in sight.