Minister Rana seeks Isreal's help for Bipin Joshi's release

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 9: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the Israeli government to prioritise the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student who has been held captive by Hamas since October 2023.

During a courtesy meeting with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Wednesday, Minister Dr. Rana sought updates on Bipin’s status and requested the Israeli government to take swift action to secure his release.

Her request coincides with the reports that Hamas is preparing to release 34 individuals in their custody. FM Dr. Rana urged the Israeli government that Bipin’s release should be treated with special urgency, the MoFA informed in a statement.

Ambassador Bass informed the Foreign Minister that the Israeli government had previously provided Hamas with a list of vulnerable individuals, including elderly people, women, and children with fragile health conditions, requesting their release. Reports suggest that Hamas is preparing to release these individuals in the first phase.

In October 2023, Hamas attacked Israeli territory, killing over 1,000 people, including 10 Nepali nationals. The group also abducted several individuals including Joshi following the attack.

According to the MoFA, the Government of Nepal has continued its diplomatic efforts for Bipin’s release, leveraging bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and other international and regional forums. FM Dr. Rana has consistently called on the international community to advocate for the safe release of Bipin and other hostages held by Hamas.