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It has finally been confirmed that Nepali student Bipin Joshi died while being held captive by the Hamas group in Gaza.

Hamas on Monday released the names of four dead hostages including Joshi.

Confirming the names of four dead hostages, the terror group has announced to hand over the bodies today itself.

According to the group, the bodies of the hostages to be handed over today include Nepali national Bipin Joshi and Israeli citizens Gully Illouz, Yossi Sharabi and Daniel Perez.

Earlier this morning, Israeli authorities had informed the Nepali officials that Joshi was not alive.

Officials at the Prime Minister's Office, Israel and the military had officially informed the Nepali Embassy in Israel that Joshi is not alive.

Hamas abducted Joshi from Alumim Kibbutz on October 10, 2023.

For almost a year, Joshi’s family had heard nothing about him, until the Israeli military released a video in November 2023, confirming that he was alive in captivity. A video showing him alive was released a few days ago when the new ceasefire was announced.

Hamas handed over 20 living hostages to Israel through the Red Cross today.

A total 1,139 people, including 10 Nepali students had died in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Born on October 26,  2000 in Kanchanpur, Joshi had travelled to Israel as part of the “Learn and Earn” agricultural training program under a bilateral initiative between the two countries. Just three weeks after his arrival, he found himself at the heart of one of the most violent attacks in Israel’s history.

On the morning of Oct 7, 2023, Hamas militants launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, including Kibbutz Alumim, where Joshi was staying with 48 other Nepali students. When attackers threw a grenade into the bunker where Joshi and his friends were hiding, he reportedly deflected it—saving lives but exposing himself in the process. He was captured and later seen alive in Gaza.

Following his abduction, a flurry of diplomatic efforts was made by Nepal, Israel, and international partners to secure Joshi’s release.

On November 11, 2023, the Nepal government dispatched a DNA collection team to Joshi’s home to check samples against unclaimed bodies. No matches were found. Then on November 20, 2023, The Israel Defense Force released CCTV footage from October 7, where Joshi was identified by his family and friends as he was dragged by militants.

Months passed without any confirmed updates. Israeli intelligence tracked Joshi’s phone to Gaza, and despite being included in international hostage talks, his name never appeared on release lists.

Many initiatives were taken to bring him back to Nepal. On November 24, 2023, then Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud urged Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, to take initiatives for Joshi’s release from Hamas’ captivity.

On April 23, 2024, President Ram Chandra Paudel requested the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to help secure Joshi’s release. On May 19, 2024, Joshi’s family met then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to seek support for his release. On May 31, 2024, Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Hanan Goder, demanded the unconditional release of all 125 people, including Joshi.

On October 8, 2024, the BBC reported that Israeli intelligence confirmed Joshi’s phone was located in Gaza. On January 8, 2025, then Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba appealed to Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take immediate action to secure Joshi’s release.

On January 17, the Ministry of Home Affairs in Kathmandu welcomed the ‘Agreement for the Release of Hostages and Ceasefire in Gaza’ expressing hope for Joshi’s safe return.

A few days ago, Joshi’s family posted a 33-second video—believed to be filmed in a Gaza hospital—where Joshi, visibly under duress, identified himself in English: “My name is Bipin Joshi. I am from Nepal. I am 23 years old.”

“We decided to release it to show that he is in Gaza and alive, and maybe it can create pressure on the negotiating teams to understand our feelings, our pain,” said Joshi’s sister Pushpa. “It’s been two years, it’s too much pain for us and the hostages and the other hostages’ families.”

Despite the silence, Joshi’s family remained hopeful. His sister Pushpa became a voice in the campaign to bring her brother home. “It’s been two years. It’s too much pain for us,” she said during a protest in Israel’s Hostages Square. “How can anyone endure more than 680 days in a dark, unbearable room?”

Joshi’s mother, Padma, made a tearful plea upon arriving in Israel earlier this year: “Please, rescue my son… bring him home now.” Their journey took them from their home to the heart of Israeli politics, where they met President Isaac Herzog, Speaker Amir Ohana, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar—all of whom expressed their commitment to Joshi’s case.

Since the IDF tweeted: “It’s official, there are no more living Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity,” the state of Joshi is still unknown as they haven’t mentioned about other nationalists’ hostages. The Israeli military confirms that the last 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are now back in Israel after more than two years in captivity.

Pushpa’s continued appeals have gathered support among Nepali youths, civil society, and more. His image has appeared on banners, placards, and even an Israeli flag made of hostage portraits displayed during mass rallies. Before his capture, Joshi sent a message to his cousin saying, “If something happens to me, you have to take care of my family. Be strong and always see the future.”

President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged King Abdullah II of Jordan to take necessary initiative for the release of Bipin Joshi, a resident of Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, who has allegedly been taken hostage by Hamas, a Palestinian armed group.

In an official message dispatched to the Jordanian monarch on Tuesday, President Paudel requested immediate efforts to ascertain Joshi’s present status, ensure his safe release, and facilitate his return to Nepal. 

The President said that Nepal would deeply appreciate any humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives undertaken by King Abdullah II in this regard.

Earlier on Sunday, Bipin's mother and sister called on President Paudel and appealed for his support in securing his release. 

In response, the President assured them that he would make all possible efforts to that end. 

The mother and sister of Bipin Joshi met with President Ram Chandra Paudel on Sunday.

It may be recalled here that Joshi from Mahendranagar was taken hostage by the Palestinian group Hamas in the course of its attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

With the coordination of the Nepali embassy in Israel, Bipin's mother Padma and sister Pushpa Joshi had gone to Israel and recently returned after a meeting with the President and Prime Minister there.

Bipin's mother and sister mentioned that while in Israel they had met the president, prime minister, and ambassadors from various countries, stating that this issue (Bipin's being held hostage by Hamas) has reached an international level.

They urged everyone to make further efforts for Bipin's release.

Padma urged that her son Bipin, being an innocent student, should be released on humanitarian grounds.

On the occasion, President Paudel stated that he would make further efforts for Bipin's release.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government was making all the best possible efforts for the safe and speedy release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student in Israel who was taken hostage by the extremist Hamas group.

In a Facebook post today, the PM stated that the government was taking all best possible efforts for Joshi's release adding that it was the responsibility of the government.

According to the PM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Nepal's diplomatic missions in the Gulf countries is holding continuous talks to ensure a safe and speedy release of Joshi.

Likewise, the PM has also mentioned that the government was with the family of Joshi.

"With the coordination of our embassy in Israel, Joshi's mother Padma and sister Pushpa met with President of Israel Isaac Herzog and Chairman of the Israeli Parliament Amir Ohana for the initiatives to release Bipin," the PM has mentioned in his post. 

Likewise, PM Oli has recalled his telephone conversations that happened a couple of months ago with the presidents of Türkiye and Egypt for the release of Joshi.

Similarly, PM Oli has thanked all Nepalis, locals, journalists, security forces and social activists for their efforts for the safe and speedy release of Bipin Joshi.

How effective, innovative and imaginative is our diplomacy, in this day and age of a rapidly changing world?

Let us do a fact check on the basis of a key test case. 

On 07 Oct 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Gaza Strip, killing more than 1100 people, including 10 Nepali students, and capturing 250, including a young Nepali student from Kanchanpur, Bipin Joshi, who was studying agriculture in Israel along with his friends.

It will be wrong to say that the government has been doing nothing to secure the release of the youth, bring him home and bring cheers to his family and the country. It has been making frantic efforts that have failed to yield a result.

Let’s revisit some of those efforts.    

On 24 Sept 2024, for instance, Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, addressing the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, urged the global community to take initiatives for the safe release of Joshi.

On 08 Jan 2025, Minister Deuba requested the Israeli government, through Ambassador Shmulik Arie Bass, to secure the release of Joshi.

On Jan 15, in the wake of reports that Hamas was releasing some hostages, Minister Deuba called up 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, and appealed for special intervention to secure Joshi’s release.

During a meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi in Doha on Feb 16. Minister Deuba sought the latter’s good offices in securing Joshi’s release.

Adding to these efforts, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli recently called upon Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi,  the president of Egypt, which played a key role in mediating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, renewing Nepal’s request for Egypt’s assistance in securing the release of Joshi.

Nepal has been playing a key role in the UN peacekeeping missions around the world for about 70 years and its involvement in securing peace in the Mideast is as long. It has served twice in the UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member, in 1969-70 and in 1988-1989. In 2018-20, Nepal served as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Nepal was the first country in South Asia to recognize Israel after its birth as a state on 14 May 1948. The country has excellent relations with Qatar, which is a popular employment destination for Nepali workers. And the enduring ties between Nepal and Egypt, a key NAM member, go a long time back.

Despite these positives and efforts from our side, the release of Joshi has not materialized even as freedom comes calling for many of the hostages.

This debacle reminds one of Henry Kissinger’s famous quote: Behind the slogans lay an intellectual vacuum.

And a razor-sharp Chanakya goes: In diplomacy, the tongue is mightier than the sword. 

In the words of Chanakya, diplomacy is the art of winning the war without bloodshed.

Delays in securing the release of Joshi perhaps call for learning lessons from past failures and adopting a subtler, quieter approach, keeping in mind that this is an acid test for our “art of the impossible”.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba held telephonic conversation with Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a diplomatic initiative for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi who is believed to be held captive by Hamas.

Minister Rana held telephonic talks with her Iranian counterpart on Thursday night, urging him to take initiative for Joshi's release.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Araghchi gave the assurance that he would raise the topic of Joshi's release with priority in his upcoming meeting with Hamas officials, Foreign Minister Rana's private secretariat said.

Hamas has started releasing people under its captivity after the ceasefire between it and the Israeli government.

The government has continued with the diplomatic initiatives for the safe release of Joshi from Hamas' confinement.

In this connection, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Deuba had held telephonic talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister as well last week, urging for support for Joshi's release.

Minister Dr Deuba has been requesting Qatar and Egypt that had been mediating with Hamas for peace talks ever since efforts were made for a ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas for taking special initiative for Joshi's release.

Minister Dr Deuba held telephonic conversation with Israel's Foreign Minister some weeks back on this topic. Similarly, Ambassador of Nepal to Israel, Prof Dr Dhana Prasad Pandit, also in telephonic conversation with the Israeli President some days back, had urged for Joshi's release.

The government has continued the diplomatic initiatives for securing Joshi's release since last year.

Minister Rana has been making diplomatic efforts for Joshi's release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings.

Foreign Minister Arjun Rana Deuba today held a telephonic conversation with her Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, requesting the latter for an initiation to free Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi who has been held by Hamas in Gaza for 15 months.

Following a ceasefire deal between the government of Israel and Hamas, the Hamas has started freeing hostages beginning Sunday.

The Foreign Minister urged Egypt, which is facilitating the ceasefire negotiations, to prioritize Joshi’s release in the first phase.

The Minister who is presently in Bangkok for her medical checkup made the call from there.

In response, the Egyptian Minister assured that he would direct Egypt’s facilitators to work toward Joshi’s release.

A few days ago, Rana also spoke with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, and Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, requesting their intervention in setting the Nepali hostage free in the initial phase.

Khulaifi plays a key role in the Israel-Hamas peace talks.

The Nepali government has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts since last year, seeking Bipin’s release.

The Foreign Minister has been appealing through various international and regional forums, as well as the United Nations, to facilitate for ensuring Bipin's release.

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.

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.”