KATHMANDU, Oct 12: In response to growing concerns and mounting requests to repatriate Nepali citizens stranded in Israel, a delegation led by Foreign Minister NP Saud departed for Israel today.

The team's journey commenced this morning as they boarded a Nepal Airlines wide-body aircraft, departing from Nepal, and will transit through Dubai en route to Israel. According to Jagannath Niraula, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal's Spokesperson and Deputy Director, the team is expected to reach Israel after a 7-8 hour layover in Dubai. The delegation is projected to return to Nepal by tomorrow evening.

While the government is prepared to dispatch a Himalayan Airlines aircraft, it has currently authorized the Nepal Airlines' wide-body aircraft for this mission.

This initiative follows directives from Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and various governmental agencies, emphasizing the urgent need to bring stranded Nepali citizens back from Israel. The government's priority in this endeavor is to repatriate the approximately 4,500 Nepalis in Israel, with students given preference. To date, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received repatriation requests from 288 Nepali individuals.

In a press conference held on Wednesday, it was revealed that the bodies of the 10 Nepali nationals who tragically lost their lives would only be repatriated once they are handed over by the Israeli government. Sewa Lamsal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assured the public that the bodies are securely stored under the protection of Israeli authorities and all efforts are underway to expedite the repatriation process.

Lamsal also shared that due to the ongoing conflict in Israel, the bodies will only be transported after the completion of required post-mortem procedures and fulfillment of various protocols on the Israeli government's side. She emphasized the need for patience during these proceedings, noting that the families of the deceased will be promptly notified of any developments.

 
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