KATHMANDU, Jan 10: The government of Nepal has once again urged the governments of Qatar and Egypt to take initiative for the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who is under the control of the Hamas group. The government made this request through the ambassadors of Egypt and Qatar to Nepal, urging both countries to take action for Bipin’s release.
After the news that the Hamas group is going to release 34 hostages under its control, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the governments of Qatar and Egypt, which are mediating with Hamas, to assist in the release of Bipin.
The ministry informed that Foreign Minister Dr Deuba made this request to the Egyptian government during a courtesy meeting held on Friday with the Ambassador of Egypt to Nepal Noha Hamdy Ahmed ElGebaly.
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Minister Deuba also contacted Mishal Mohammad Ali Al-Ansari, ambassador of Qatar to Nepal over the phone, urging him to take initiative for Bipin's release. Ambassador Ansari, who is currently in Qatar, reportedly mentioned that he will discuss this matter with Qatar’s foreign minister regarding the matter and provide further updates.
Minister Deuba has urged both governments to take initiative for the release of Bipin, as there are reports that Hamas is preparing to release elderly, women, children, and people in critical health condition under its control in the first phase.
Earlier on Wednesday, Minister Deuba also spoke about this matter with the Israeli government through the Israeli ambassador to Nepal, Samulik Ari Bash.
On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian Hamas group attacked Israeli land and killed more than 1000 people, including 10 Nepalis. Following the surprise attack, they took a couple of hundred people as hostage, including Bipin Joshi.
The Government of Nepal has said it is continuing its diplomatic efforts for the release of Bipin.
Nepal has been urging the international community to take initiative for the release of Bipin in various international and regional forums, including the United Nations, as well as in bilateral and multilateral meetings.
