Dodhara Chandani, Kanchanpur, Nov 30 – The parents of Bipin Joshi, one of the Nepali students held captive by Hamas militants in the aftermath of the October 7 attack in southern Israel, are enduring 52 days of profound anxiety as they await news of their son’s well-being. Bipin was among the individuals seized during a multi-pronged invasion launched by Hamas-led Palestinian militants, resulting in casualties and the capture of hostages.
The October 7 attack, orchestrated by Hamas, saw a coordinated assault on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. The surprise invasion involved rocket barrages and the breach of the Gaza–Israel barrier by around 3,000 militants. Tragically, at least 846 Israeli civilians and 324 soldiers and police lost their lives during the attacks. International media reports indicate that an estimated 240 Israeli and foreign nationals, including Bipin Joshi, were taken as hostages to the Gaza Strip. Regrettably, ten Nepali students lost their lives in the attack.
Bipin Joshi’s parents have been closely following updates from Israel since the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas on November 24. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, includes provisions for the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
While several hostages have been released in groups as part of the ceasefire agreement, Bipin Joshi’s parents, like many others, are still awaiting information about their son’s status. The anxiety has intensified as there has been no news about Bipin despite the ongoing release of captives.
In a bid to seek support for their son’s release, Bipin’s parents met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud during his visit to Kanchanpur. They urged the minister to take immediate and intensified initiatives for the safe release of Bipin.
Bipin’s mother, Padma, expressed her distress, saying, “I am glued to the TV news all the time in the hope that my son Bipin will be released and call us. Our days are spent watching news.”
The government asserts that diplomatic efforts are underway to secure Bipin’s safe release. However, Bipin’s father, Mahananda, believes that more vigorous efforts are needed to expedite his son’s release.
Minister Narayan Prakash Saud, in response to the family’s plea, has pledged to intensify government-level efforts for Bipin’s release. He is scheduled to visit Qatar on December 9, where he will request Qatari officials to take special initiatives for Bipin’s release.
On November 24, Minister Saud had urged Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, to initiate efforts for Bipin Joshi’s release. The Qatar state minister assured him of prompt actions in this regard.
As the family anxiously awaits news of Bipin’s release, their hope is intertwined with diplomatic efforts and international mediation in the ongoing hostage exchange.