MoFA intensifies efforts to secure Bipin Joshi’s release

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Jan. 15: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Nepal has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali youth held captive by the Hamas group since October last year. 

In October 2023, during an attack on Israeli territory, Hamas killed over 1,000 people, including 10 Nepalis and abducted several others, Bipin Joshi being one. 

Following reports that Hamas may release some of its hostages, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has reached out to countries mediating a ceasefire with Hamas, requesting special efforts for Bipin's release, the MoFA informed in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry, FM Dr. Rana held a phone conversation with Qatar's State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Qatar's chief negotiator in peace talks with Hamas, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. During the conversation, mentioning the potential release of some hostages by Hamas, Dr. Rana sought and urged for Qatar's role in securing Bipin's release. 

She highlighted Qatar's longstanding friendship with Nepal and commended its ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire with Hamas. She appealed to Qatar to prioritise efforts for Bipin's freedom as part of its peace initiatives, informed the MoFA.

The Ministry said that Minister Dr. Al-Khulaifi said that Qatar has been actively working towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages. He also said that discussions with Hamas have been progressing positively and that the release of several hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and those in poor health, is anticipated in the first phase. 

Dr. Al-Khulaifi expressed his confidence that Bipin's release could be secured, if not in the initial phase, then in subsequent negotiations.

Earlier, FM Dr. Rana had also sought support of Egypt, another country involved in similar ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, in facilitating Bipin's release. 

Last week, through the ambassadors of Qatar and Egypt in Nepal, Dr. Rana had formally requested both nations to prioritise efforts for Bipin's freedom. She had also appealed to the Israeli government via its ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, for the same. 

According to Ambassador Bass, Israel has received reports that Hamas plans to release 34 hostages, primarily those who are vulnerable due to age, gender or health conditions.

Since then, the Nepal government has been actively pursuing diplomatic channels, including the United Nations, international and regional forums, as well as bilateral and multilateral meetings, to advocate for Bipin’s release and seek support from the global community, read the statement.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr. Rana also talked to her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar to urge the Israeli government to advocate for Bipin's release through him.

During the conversation, FM Dr. Rana expressed gratitude towards the Israeli government for its stance regarding all captives, while making a special appeal for Bipin's liberation from Hamas' captivity.

As the Mofa informed, Minister Sa'ar updated Dr. Rana that the Israeli government is making every effort to ensure Bipin's safe release. 

He also conveyed his pleasure regarding Dr. Rana's earlier discussion with the Qatari foreign minister, whose role as a chief negotiator and mediator in peace talks with Hamas is considered significant.