Kathmandu: Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba also spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar this evening to discuss the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, who is being held by the Hamas extremist group.

After news came that Hamas was going to release some of those held by it, Foreign Minister Dr. Rana has urged the Israeli government through Foreign Minister Saar to take the initiative for Bipin’s release.

In the phone call, Minister Dr. Rana thanked the Israeli government for the role it is playing in favor of all the prisoners, including Bipin, and specifically requested them to take the initiative to free Nepali youth Bipin from Hamas control.

On that occasion, Minister Saar informed Minister Dr. Rana that the Israeli government is making maximum efforts for the safe release of Bipin. Foreign Minister Saar also expressed happiness that Foreign Minister Dr. Rana had spoken to the Qatari minister this morning.

The Israeli Foreign Minister said that the Qatari minister’s role is important as he is the main negotiator and mediator in the peace talks with Hamas. This morning, Minister Dr. Rana had made the same request in a phone call with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulayifi.

Following the news that Hamas is about to release some prisoners, Minister Dr. Rana has been contacting Qatar and Egypt, which are mediating a ceasefire with the Israeli government and Hamas, to appeal for Bipin’s release. Just last week, she had also made the same request to the Egyptian government.

The Government of Nepal has continued its diplomatic efforts for Bipin’s release. Minister Dr. Rana has been urging Bipin’s release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings.