The family of Nepali student Bipin Joshi has called for his immediate release from captivity, as thousands gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv demanding freedom for hostages and a permanent end to the Gaza war.
As the crowd waved banners, flags and portraits of the captives, Bipin’s sister, Pushpa Joshi, tearfully described the pain of not knowing her brother’s condition.
“How can anyone endure more than 680 days in a dark, unbearable room? For two years, my family has lived without our only son and I have lived without my only brother, my very soul,” she said, as quoted by the Kathmandu Post.
“Dada, I miss you more than words can say. I miss your warm hugs, your voice, everything about you. I miss you deeply,” she added.
Israel, international community urged to intensify efforts
After addressing the crowd in Hostage Square, Pushpa and her mother, Padma Joshi, appealed to the Israeli government and the international community for Bipin’s release during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
“It’s my appeal to the international community, please: We can’t imagine how he’s living there. I ask the international community, please, do whatever you can,” Pushpa said, as quoted by the Times of Israel.
Nepali Ambassador Dhana Prasad Pandit, who was also present, echoed the family’s plea and urged Israel, mediators and world leaders to step up efforts to secure the release of Bipin and 49 other hostages.
In response, Herzog assured the family that Israel would continue to work for his release while engaging with Nepali authorities and Arab nations.
“We are screaming for Bipin’s return. His whereabouts are unclear, but Israel and all those who care about our hostages are doing whatever we can to bring him home,” Herzog said.
The meeting comes after Padma and Pushpa arrived in Israel for the first time last week to increase pressure on Hamas.
Nepali government reaffirms commitment
Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli pledged that the government remains committed to securing Bipin’s release and bringing him home.
In a brief statement on Facebook, Oli said authorities would intensify diplomatic efforts and work with Gaza war mediators to ensure Joshi’s safe return to Kathmandu.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue with its diplomatic missions in Gulf countries to seek help to ensure Bipin’s safe and speedy release, My Republica reported.
Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba also assured Bipin’s family that her office would prioritise the case and continue engaging with the international community to secure his release.
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Bipin Joshi’s whereabouts remain unknown
However, the whereabouts of Bipin remain unknown, with no information regarding his condition, despite sustained diplomatic efforts by the Foreign Ministry and top officials.
In July, Rana said that there has been no update about Joshi after Hamas returned the body of a missing Thai national.
“It was reported that two foreign nationals were missing and two weeks ago, Hamas returned the body of a Thai citizen. But nothing has been confirmed about Bipin Joshi so far,” she said.
The lack of information comes despite assurances from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates that they would help facilitate the release of Joshi and other hostages.
Nepal remains optimistic over Bipin’s return
Despite these challenges, Rana said that the government remains hopeful to ensure his safety and bring Joshi home to reunite with his family.
“Let us all pray to God. Our son Bipin is still alive and will return home someday. We are raising the issue continuously,” Rana said.
Joshi, one of 49 agriculture students from Sudurpaschim University, travelled to Israel under the “Learn and Earn” study programme.
He was among 17 Nepali students abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack on Kibbutz Alumim, which left 10 Nepali students dead and four injured.
Since the war began, more than 60,000 people have been killed, including about 18,500 children and 9,700 women, with around 150,000 wounded, according to multiple media reports.
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Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Vivien Bernardino