KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has requested Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, to facilitate the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who is currently in Hamas custody.
During a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Rana discussed Bipin’s situation with the ambassador and urged the Israeli government to prioritize efforts for his release.
Hamas reportedly plans to release 34 hostages in the coming days. This update prompted Minister Rana to emphasize Bipin’s release during her discussion with Ambassador Bass.
The ambassador informed Dr. Rana that the Israeli government had earlier shared a list with Hamas, prioritizing the release of elderly individuals, women, children, and those in critical health conditions. Efforts to secure their release in the first phase are reportedly underway.
In October 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory, killing over 1,000 individuals, including 10 Nepali nationals. Bipin Joshi was among those abducted during the attack.
The Nepalese government has been actively pursuing Bipin’s release through diplomatic channels. Minister Rana has raised the issue at the United Nations, regional and international platforms, and various bilateral and multilateral meetings, urging the international community to intervene for Bipin’s safe return.
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