Kathmandu: Nepali national Bipin Joshi, abducted during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, was not included in the initial list of hostages to be released under the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire agreement.
Joshi, who was in Israel as part of the “Learn and Earn” agricultural study program, was taken hostage from Alumim Kibbutz during the assault. The list of 33 hostages to be released includes 31-year-old veterinary nurse Doron Steinbrecher, dual British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, and 24-year-old Romi Gonen.
Hamas captured 251 individuals during the attack, of whom 94 remain in custody—81 men and 13 women, including eight Thais, one Tanzanian, and 84 Israelis.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, involves a phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel. The first phase includes a six-week truce, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Gaza, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, along with prioritized humanitarian aid delivery.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, has sought Qatar’s assistance to secure Joshi’s release. While initial attempts have not succeeded, hopes remain for his inclusion in subsequent negotiation phases.
The ongoing conflict has claimed over 46,800 Palestinian and 1,400 Israeli lives. The ceasefire provides an opportunity to address the humanitarian crisis and negotiate the release of the remaining hostages.