Kathmandu, Jan. 8
Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal, 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.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 January 2025.
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