Nepal seeks Joshi’s release from Hamas captivity

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, a young Nepali held captive by Hamas. Following reports that some hostages under Hamas control are being freed, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana has urged countries mediating with Hamas for a ceasefire to prioritize efforts for Joshi’s release.

As part of these efforts, Minister Rana held a telephone conversation this morning with Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, who serves as Qatar’s chief negotiator and mediator in peace talks with Hamas.

During the call, Minister Rana emphasized Qatar’s pivotal role in facilitating ceasefire negotiations and appealed for special intervention to secure Joshi’s release. She highlighted Qatar’s long-standing friendship with Nepal and expressed hope that Qatar’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Hamas would include efforts for Joshi’s safe return.

Minister al-Khulaifi informed Minister Rana that progress is being made in bringing Hamas and Israel to a ceasefire. He assured that Qatar is actively working to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas. Regarding Joshi, al-Khulaifi stated that Qatar would prioritize his case and expressed confidence that he would be freed, either in the initial phase of hostage releases or subsequent rounds.

Earlier, Minister Rana also sought assistance from the Egyptian government, which is similarly engaged in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. Last week, she conveyed Nepal’s appeal through the ambassadors of Egypt and Qatar, urging both nations to intervene for Joshi’s release.

Additionally, Minister Rana had approached the Israeli government via Israeli Ambassador to Nepal,  Shmulik Arie Bass. The ambassador informed her that Israel had received reports of Hamas planning to release 34 hostages, including the elderly, women, children and those with critical health conditions.

The crisis traces back to Oct 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli soil, killing over 1,000 people, including 10 Nepalis, and taking hostages, including Joshi. Since then, the Nepal government has been pressing for his release through diplomatic channels. Minister Rana has raised the issue at various bilateral and multilateral forums, including the United Nations, urging the international community to assist in securing Joshi’s freedom.