Bipin Joshi: 1.5 Years in Captivity

More than a year and a half has passed since Nepali student Bipin Joshi was abducted by Hamas militants during an attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. Joshi, a student enrolled in the Learn and Earn program, was studying agriculture in southern Israel when the violence erupted.

Joshi and his friends had arrived in Israel just three weeks before the attack. While the area they were staying in had been deemed safe, Hamas militants launched an assault, killing several people, including ten Nepali students, and leaving others severely injured. Witnesses report that Joshi bravely attempted to thwart a grenade attack by throwing one back, although the other grenade exploded, injuring several in the group.

Though it was later confirmed that Joshi was alive but in captivity, uncertainty surrounds his fate. The Nepali government, along with his family, has remained hopeful but deeply concerned. In the face of ongoing diplomatic challenges, Nepal's foreign minister, Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, has personally intensified efforts to negotiate his release, contacting international mediators in Qatar and Egypt.

Recent developments offer a glimmer of hope as Hamas announced plans to release 34 hostages in its custody, raising hopes for Joshi’s freedom. Dr. Rana has appealed to officials in Qatar and Egypt, urging them to prioritize Joshi's case and facilitate his return.

As Nepal continues its diplomatic efforts, Bipin Joshi’s story has become a symbol of courage and resilience, highlighting the power of international cooperation in resolving crises. His safe return would provide comfort to his family and underscore the importance of global support in securing the release of hostages in conflict zones.