Kathmandu — Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the Israeli government, through Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Samulik Ari Bass, to release Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who is being held captive by Hamas.

During a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Rana at the ministry today, she asked Ambassador Bass about Bipin’s condition and urged the Israeli government to take the initiative to free him from Hamas control.

Minister Rana had urged the Israeli government, through Ambassador Bass, to give special priority to Joshi’s release as news emerged that Hamas was planning to release 34 of its captives.

In October 2023, the Palestinian Hamas group killed more than a thousand people, including 10 Nepalese, in an attack on Israeli territory. Bipin Joshi is also among those who were kidnapped by them. The Nepal government is continuing its diplomatic efforts for Bipin’s release.