Nepal urges Qatar and Egypt to intervene for release of Bipin Joshi

January 10, Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal (GoN) has renewed its appeal to the governments of Qatar and Egypt to facilitate the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student held hostage by Hamas.

The renewed request was conveyed to Nepal through the respective ambassadors of Egypt and Qatar, urging them to take special initiatives for Joshi’s release.

This appeal follows reports that Hamas is preparing to release 34 of its captives. Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has specifically requested the assistance of Qatar and Egypt, given their roles as mediators with Hamas, to secure Joshi’s release within this process.

Minister Dr Rana conveyed the request to the Egyptian government during a courtesy call with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nepal, Noha Hamdi Ahmed Elgebaly, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.

Earlier on Friday, Minister Dr Rana also spoke on the phone with the Qatari Ambassador to Nepal, Mishal Mohammed Al Ansari, who is currently in Qatar, to reiterate the request for their intervention. Ambassador Al Ansari assured Minister Dr Rana that he would discuss the matter with the Qatari Foreign Minister and provide further updates.

Minister Dr Rana emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that Hamas is reportedly prioritizing the release of elderly individuals, women, children, and those in fragile health in the first phase. She urged both governments to work towards securing Joshi’s release within this initial group.

This diplomatic push follows a similar appeal made by Minister Rana on Wednesday to the Israeli government through the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass.

In 7th October 2023, Hamas militants attacked Israeli territory, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand people, including ten Nepali citizens. During the attack, several individuals were taken hostage, including Bipin Joshi.

The Nepali government has been actively pursuing Joshi’s release through various diplomatic channels. Foreign Minister Dr Rana has consistently raised the issue with the international community at the United Nations, various international and regional forums, as well as in bilateral and multilateral meetings.