Nepal’s Foreign Minister Urges Israel to Secure Release of Bipin Joshi

Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, has called on the Israeli government to take urgent action to secure the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who remains in the captivity of Hamas. The appeal was made during a courtesy meeting with Israel’s Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, at Singha Durbar on Wednesday.

Minister Rana emphasized the need for Israel to facilitate Joshi’s release, especially with reports indicating that Hamas may soon release 34 captives. Ambassador Bass informed the Minister that Israel had submitted a list to Hamas months ago, requesting the release of elderly individuals, women, and children in critical condition.

Bipin Joshi was abducted during Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israeli territory, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths, including 10 Nepalis. Since then, the Nepali government has been actively pursuing diplomatic efforts, with Minister Rana advocating for Joshi’s release on regional and international platforms, including the United Nations.