Nepal welcomes Gaza ceasefire, hostage release agreement

Kathmandu, Jan. 18

The Government of Nepal has welcomed the recent announcement of the ‘Agreement for the Release of Hostages and Ceasefire in Gaza’.

Stating that it has been closely observing the unfolding of events in the Middle East since October 7, 2023, the government expressed hopes that the ceasefire agreement would pave the way for smooth supply of humanitarian assistance as well as the release of all hostages including Nepali national, Bipin Joshi.

“We hope that this will usher the parties concerned towards the path of lasting peace and stability while ensuring uninterrupted supply of humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Nepal said in a statement on Saturday.

It said that the GoN has consistently urged for the release of all hostages including Joshi.

“We express our sincere appreciation to the efforts of all those involved in mediation to bring the parties to the agreement,” read the statement.

The ceasefire and prisoner release agreement was mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. With the implementation of the ceasefire, the release of prisoners will begin on Sunday, as confirmed by the Israeli Prime Minister's office.

The first phase of the ceasefire is scheduled to last for seven weeks. During this phase, both parties will release prisoners as previously agreed. Hamas will release 33 prisoners, including one American, while Israel will free 735 Palestinian prisoners.

On the first day of the first phase, Sunday, three female prisoners will be released by Hamas, and 95 Palestinian prisoners will be freed by Israel, international media reported.

Hamas had taken 251 hostages, 34 of whom have already died. Foreign nationals, including Nepali citizen Joshi, are expected to be released in the second phase. However, efforts are ongoing to release some during the first phase. The MoFA is in communication with Egypt, Qatar and Israel to ensure the early release of Joshi.

The second phase of the release process will begin on the 16^th day of the ceasefire. During this phase, further steps will be taken to work towards a permanent peace.

Earlier, during a temporary ceasefire in November of last year, 150 prisoners were released.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 19 January 2025.