Nepal urges Israel to secure release of Bipin Joshi

January 8, Kathmandu: Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Arju Rana Deuba has formally requested the Israeli government to secure the immediate release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who is being held hostage by the Hamas terrorist group.

During a courtesy meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Bass, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Minister Dr Rana inquired about Joshi’s condition and urged the Israeli government to make every effort to free him from Hamas’s captivity.

Minister  Dr Rana sought more information from the Israeli Ambassador regarding reports that Hamas was preparing to release 34 people it had abducted.

Ambassador Bass informed the Minister that the Israeli government had previously sent a list to Hamas requesting the release of elderly, women, and children who are in critical health conditions and are being held captive. He added that there was information suggesting that the first phase of their release was being prepared.

On 7th October 2023, Hamas attacked Israeli territory, killing over a thousand people, including ten Nepali students. Subsequently, they abducted several individuals, among whom was Bipin Joshi.

There have been reports that Hamas is planning to release 34 of these abductees. As news emerged that Hamas is prioritizing the release of women, children, and the elderly in the first phase, the Government of Nepal has urged for Joshi’s immediate release as well.

The Government of Nepal has been continuously engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure Joshi’s release. Foreign Minister Dr Rana has appealed to the international community to intervene and facilitate Joshi’s release at various international and regional forums, as well as bilateral and multilateral meetings.