Nepal intensifies diplomatic efforts for release of Bipin Joshi

January 14, Kathmandu: Nepal’s diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, currently held by Hamas, have intensified with Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba engaging in high-level diplomatic outreach.

Minister Dr Rana held a telephone conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi.

Minister Al-Khulaifi plays a key role as a lead negotiator and mediator for the Qatari government in peace talks with Hamas.

During the call, Minister Dr Rana emphasized the reports of Hamas preparing to release some captives and urged Minister Al-Khulaifi to prioritize Joshi’s release. Highlighting the long-standing friendly relations between Nepal and Qatar, Minister Dr Rana appealed for Qatar’s special intervention given its direct engagement with Hamas in facilitating a ceasefire and peace talks.

Minister Al-Khulaifi conveyed that the efforts to achieve a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel are progressing positively and affirmed the Qatari government’s commitment to securing the release of all captives. He assured Minister Dr Rana that Joshi’s case is a priority and expressed confidence that Joshi would be among those released, either in the first phase of releases or subsequently.

Prior to this, Minister Dr Rana had also reached out to the Egyptian government for assistance in securing Joshi’s release, given Egypt’s engagement with Hamas in ceasefire efforts.

Last week, she conveyed similar requests through the Egyptian and Qatari ambassadors to Nepal. Additionally, she had previously engaged with the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Bass to seek Israel’s support.

Ambassador Bass had informed Minister Dr Rana that Israel had received information about Hamas intending to release 34 individuals, including the elderly, women, children, and those in fragile health.

The Government of Nepal has maintained sustained diplomatic efforts for Joshi’s release, utilizing various platforms including the United Nations, international and regional forums, and bilateral and multilateral meetings. Minister Dr Rana has consistently appealed to the international community for support in securing Joshi’s safe return.