KATHMANDU, Oct 10: Although Nepali student Bipin Joshi, held hostage by Hamas, appears close to being released, his current status remains unknown. The first-phase ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by the United States, has opened the path for the release of remaining hostages, including Joshi.
A video had previously suggested that he was alive. However, CNN’s latest report states that Bipin’s status is still “unknown.”
Bipin Joshi named among hostages alive in Gaza, Nepal awaits hi...
Joshi, 24, was abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel’s Kibbutz Alumim while studying water and agricultural sciences in Israel. While it is believed that he is still alive, 26 of the 48 hostages taken have been confirmed dead, and Joshi’s condition remains uncertain.
On September 21, Hamas released a farewell photo of Joshi, indicating he was alive at that time. Additionally, the Israeli military recovered a 2023 video showing him in captivity.
Since this video is over a year old, his current condition is unclear. CNN reported that Israeli authorities have expressed “serious concern” for the lives of both Bipin and Israeli citizen Tamir Nimrodi, whose status also remains unknown.
According to the ceasefire deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump described as a “historic opportunity for peace,” 20 living hostages are set to be released in the first phase on Monday. However, the release of Bipin Joshi and other hostages may be delayed, as priority is being given to Israeli citizens. Earlier, Bipin’s mother, Padma Joshi, and sister, Pushpa Joshi, had traveled to Israel to advocate for his release.
