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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued its diplomatic efforts for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen believed to be held captive by Hamas.

These efforts follow reports that Hamas is releasing 34 captives, including women, children and the elderly.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has been requesting countries, which are reported to be in contact with Hamas and are mediating for a ceasefire, to intensify their initiatives for Joshi's release.

Today, Minister Rana had a telephonic conversation with Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, requesting him to take special initiatives for Joshi's freedom.

She acknowledged Qatar as a longstanding friend of Nepal.

During the conversation, Dr Khulaifi, the key mediator for the peace talks with Hamas on behalf of the Qatari government, said progress was being made in bringing Hamas to a ceasefire with Israel.

He highlighted the Qatari government's ongoing initiatives for the release of those kidnapped by Hamas.

He further said they have also prioritised advocating for the release of the Nepali youth Joshi, adding that Joshi would be included in the first phase of the release of the captives, which focus on women, children and the elderly.

If not, he assured that Joshi would be prioritised in the subsequent phases of negotiations.

Last week, Dr Rana met with ambassadors of Israel, Egypt, Qatar, seeking their governments' assistance in securing Joshi's release.

In response, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass informed that the Israel government had sent a list of captives to Hamas a few months ago, urging the group to release elderly, women and children, and those in critical health conditions in particular in the first phase, and that preparations were underway for their release.

Joshi was among those who were kidnapped during the Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023, which led to the killing of more than a thousand people, including 10 Nepalis.

Since then, the Government of Nepal has continued its diplomatic efforts for Joshi's release. Dr Rana has continuously raised the issue at national and regional forums, including the United Nations, and through bilateral meetings for Joshi's safe release.

Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass expressed his hope that Bipin Joshi, who has been held captive by Hamas, Palestinian militant group, since October 7, will return home soon.

The Israeli government has received information that Joshi of Kanchanpur, a Nepali student who went missing after Hamas launched an armed attack on Israel, is in Gaza Strip, he said.

Joshi, who went to Israel under the 'Learn and Earn' program to study agriculture, was taken hostage from Alumim Kibbutz on October 7, 2023. He has gone out of contact since then.

“It is true that he is alive. We have received information that he has been kept somewhere in the Gaza Strip,” newly appointed Ambassador Bass said during a meeting with diplomatic journalists in Kathmandu on Thursday.

“We have received information from the sources in Arab countries that Joshi is alive,” he said.

Hamas took around 250 people from different countries hostage, including Joshi, by attacking the southern part of Israel, which is connected to the Gaza Strip, On October 7 of last year.

Ten other Nepali students who were hiding in Alumim Kibbutz along with Joshi, however, were killed in the attack.

Narayan Prasad Neupane and Ashish Chaudhary of Kailali, Pravesh Bhandari of Salyan, Ganesh Kumar Nepali of Bajhang, Rajesh Swarnakar of Sunsari, Padam Thapa and Rajan Phulara of Doti, Lokendra Dhami and Dipeshraj Bista of Darchula, and Anand Sah of Dhanusha died in the incident.

Out of 250 people taken hostage, Hamas has already freed 117 people.

"Initiatives are being taken to release the people held captive by Hamas," Ambassador Bass said.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who is in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly, has urged the global community to take initiatives for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student, believed to be in the captivity of the extremist group Hamas.

Addressing the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement on Monday, she called attention of the world community for Joshi's release. Minister Rana said Nepal is eagerly waiting for Bipin Joshi's release and wanted the world community to support in this cause.

Ten Nepalis lost their lives in the Hamas' assault in Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamas had taken Joshi captive after the attack.

The foreign minister said the Government of Nepal condemned the raid by Hamas and it has been calling for Joshi's safe release.  

Stressing on the need for collective international efforts for establishing global peace, she said, "We are at a critical confluence in history, facing the highest number of conflicts. So, we have to work with high priority to protect citizens from armed conflicts."

The minister rued that despite international efforts, the world continues to fail to stop wars, bring solutions, restore peace and tranquility, and give hope.

"Even as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the principles designed to protect civilians are being systematically ignored or misinterpreted by the resourceful and powerful countries," she said, calling for an immediate end to this situation, and for all to move forward with peace and co-existence.

Referencing ongoing conflicts such as the wars in Israel and Palestine, and Russia and Ukraine, the minister called for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages and full implementation of Council Resolution 2735 (2024).

She further called for the urgent need for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights laws, ensure accountability for violations and respect for international law, including the UN Charter.

Minister Rana condemned the indiscriminate attack on civilians, including the UN officials, humanitarian workers, journalists and health professionals, saying the devastation of Gaza on such a scale and the relentless death of civilians cannot be justified.

She also drew global attention to the near-total destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and basic infrastructure, which has left the entire population in constant fear and deprived of basic necessities like food, education, health, and clean water.

Minister Rana on the occasion urged the international community to put pressure on the warring parties, and find creative solutions to conflicts. She appealed to the world community to be united for peace and co-existence, reaffirming Nepal's commitment as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said that the Government of Nepal was making utmost efforts for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student in Israel, supposedly under the control of Hamas militant group.

Minister Rana shared this to the father of the missing Joshi, Mahananda Joshi, and his family members in a meeting held at the Ministry in Singha Durbar today.

The family of missing Joshi appealed to the newly appointed Minister Rana to take initiatives for Bipin's release. 

During the meeting, Minister Rana said that she received the information that Joshi was under the control of Hamas group and was safe.

The Minister also informed the visiting family that they came to learn that all those taken under control by Hamas after the attack in Israel were safe and her Ministry was making utmost efforts for Joshi's release.

The Minister said that she recently took stock of Joshi from the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal and all those held by the Hamas group following the attack were safe, Minister Rana said the Israeli envoy as saying.

According to her, the Israeli Ambassador was also working on the release of Joshi and assured that they were leaving no stone unturned for his release.

"We hope that he will be released safely from the control of Hamas," she expressed her hope.

According to her, she has been working on this issue ever since she assumed the office. She also admitted that she has been urging all foreign ambassadors who come to meet her for their necessary support and effort for the release of Bipin.

She recalled the appeals made with the Qatari Emir during this visit to Nepal for taking initiatives for Joshi's release. According to her, her Ministry will make an appeal with the Qatari government for necessary support towards this.

Joshi, who is reportedly under the control of the Hamas group, has been out of touch since the Hamas launched an attack on Israel last October.

Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Hanan Goder, has demanded unconditional release of all 125 people, including Bipin Joshi, who was abducted by Hamas militants.  

He made such a demand while addressing a program organized in Kathmandu on the occasion of Israel's 76th Independence Day on Thursday.

Ambassador Goder informed that Israel wants release of those who were held hostage. The program was graced by Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav.

Goder further expressed his commitment that Israel would continue to maintain peace and tolerance in West Asia.

The Ambassador lauded the bold step of the then Nepal government realizing the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Nepal in 1960. He viewed that although Israel and Nepal are geographically distant, the relationship between the governments and the people is strong.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker, lawmakers, leaders of various political parties, former foreign ministers, heads and officers of the diplomatic missions, high-ranking officials of the government, industrialists, businesspersons, media persons and other dignitaries.

On the occasion of Independence Day, photos of the damage caused in Israel by the extremist group Hamas eight months ago were displayed.

A total 1,139 people, including 10 Nepali students had died in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In the attack, the group took hostage 252 Israelis and foreigners.

During the temporary ceasefire, Hamas released 150 people, including 22 foreigners. Bipin Joshi is one of the captives who is yet to be released. 

President Ram Chandra Paudel has requested Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar to help release Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who has gone missing since the attack by Hamas in Israel.

President Paudel made this request during a bilateral meeting held with the Qatari Emir at the President’s Office in Sheetal Niwas earlier this afternoon.

At the cordial invitation of President Paudel, Emir Al Thani of Qatar arrived here this afternoon on a two-day state visit to Nepal.

On the occasion, President Paudel said that Bipin's release was a matter of interest and concern and urged the Emir of Qatar to take initiative for his release, according to Kiran Pokharel, the President's Press Advisor.

In response, the Emir of Qatar said that he had taken some initiative on the matter in the past and that he would take further initiatives in this regard.

Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student in Israel, remains missing following the attack in Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

Bipin Joshi of Bhimdatta Municipality-3 of Kanchanpur, who went missing following the armed attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel, has been confirmed to be in the Gaza Strip of Palestine.

But, the latest situation of Joshi is unknown, the Nepali Embassy in Israel said.

Joshi was among those who were taken to Gaza by the Hamas militants after attacking in Kibbutz Alumim of southern Israel on October 7, the Embassy quoted the Israeli Defense Force as saying.

Joshi had gone to Israel under the 'Lean and Earn' programme offered by the Israel government for students under the Faculty of Agriculture in the Sudurpashim (Far-Western) University.

“Joshi was among those who were held captives by Hamas militants,” the Israel Defense Force spokesperson said, adding, “But we are yet to track his location. He is still out of contact and we are searching for him by using all the mechanisms.”