Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has requested the Israeli government, through Ambassador Shmulik Arie Bass, to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student believed to be in Hamas captivity. During a courtesy meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Minister Deuba discussed Joshi’s condition and urged further initiatives for his release.

Minister Deuba sought Israeli cooperation citing reports indicating that Hamas is preparing to release 34 captives. She conveyed Nepal's strong request to the Israeli government via Ambassador Bass.

Ambassador Bass informed that Israel had previously shared a list with Hamas seeking the release of elderly individuals, women, and children in fragile health conditions. He added that preparations for their release in the first phase were underway.

In October 2023, a Hamas attack on Israeli territory resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people, including 10 Nepalis, and the abduction of several individuals, including Joshi. With reports of a potential release, Nepal is pushing for Joshi’s inclusion in the list of captives to be freed.

Nepal has intensified its diplomatic efforts, engaging with the United Nations, international and regional forums, and bilateral and multilateral meetings. Minister Deuba has consistently appealed to the international community to assist in securing Joshi’s safe release.