Hamas Releases “Farewell Photo” Featuring Nepali Student Bipin Joshi Among 48 Captives

Gaza City, September 20, 2025 – In a recent development, Hamas has released a "farewell photo" featuring 48 individuals, including Bipin Joshi, a 25-year-old Nepali agriculture student. The image, shared amidst intensified Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City, has raised concerns about the safety of the captives.

Bipin Joshi was among 17 Nepali students studying agriculture in southern Israel during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The group was residing at Kibbutz Alumim when Hamas militants launched an assault, resulting in the deaths of 10 students and injuries to six others. Joshi heroically saved multiple lives by tossing a live grenade out of the bomb shelter where they were hiding before being abducted and taken to Gaza. His whereabouts remained unknown until the Israel Defense Forces confirmed his captivity in November 2023.

Joshi's family, including his mother Padma and sister Pushpa, have been actively seeking his release. They traveled to Israel in August 2025 to appeal directly to authorities. Pushpa Joshi emphasized her brother's innocence, stating, "Bipin Joshi is an innocent agriculture student. He is a student who has a long life ahead of him."

The government of Nepal has been in discussions with international mediators, including officials from Qatar, to facilitate Joshi's release. President Ram Chandra Paudel met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in April 2024, requesting assistance in securing Joshi's freedom. The Qatari Emir expressed commitment to supporting efforts for his release.

As of now, Bipin Joshi remains one of the 50 hostages still in captivity. His family continues to hold onto hope for his safe return, urging international communities to intensify efforts for his release.