Hopes of Safe Return of Nepali Hostage Dashed as Hamas Confirms His Death

The hopes of Bipin Joshi's safe return were dashed on October 13, as it was confirmed that he was among the four dead hostages to be delivered to Israel by Hamas. Nepali Ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, confirmed the update to THT over the phone. The development came as part of a ceasefire deal that saw the release of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and the freedom of 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had earlier stated that Joshi's name was not among the hostages to be released, and his condition was unknown. Joshi's heroic act during the attack, where he saved the lives of 17 people, including six working on the farm, was hailed by his friend Bibhusha Adhikari.

Key Takeaways:

• Bipin Joshi, a Nepali national, was confirmed dead by Hamas, after initially being held as a hostage alongside Israelis.
• Joshi's name was not among the hostages to be released as part of the ceasefire deal, with his condition being unknown until confirmation of his death.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had made every possible effort at various levels over the last two years to ensure Joshi's safe release.
• Joshi's heroic act during the attack saved the lives of 17 people, including six working on the farm.
• The ceasefire deal saw the release of 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and the freedom of 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza.
• Joshi was one of the 17 Nepali students in the program who were killed or taken hostage during the attack, with ten of them being killed.
• Joshi was a student exchange participant who had arrived in Israel only a month before the attack to work and study agriculture at a kibbutz Alumim on the Gaza border.

Statistics:

• 1,900 Palestinian prisoners were released as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
• 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza were freed as part of the ceasefire deal.
• 4 of the 28 deceased Israeli captives were set to be released by Hamas, with the rest of the bodies to be sent back to Israel at a later date.
• 17 Nepali students in the program were either killed or taken hostage during the attack, with 10 of them being killed.
• 6 people working on the farm were saved by Joshi's heroic act during the attack.

Sources:

• "Nepali Times"
• Dhan Prasad Pandit, Nepali Ambassador to Israel, cited in the article.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) statement, cited in the article.
• Bibhusha Adhikari, Joshi's friend, cited in the article.