In a poignant plea for the safe return of their loved one, the family of Nepali agricultural student Bipin Joshi has released a video showing him alive in Hamas captivity. The footage, believed to have been filmed in November 2023, was shared with the family by Israeli intelligence officials and has been kept under strict censorship until now. This release comes as negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue, with hopes of finalizing a deal for the release of hostages.
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Bipin Joshi, 23, was among a group of Nepali students participating in Israel’s “Learn and Earn” program when he was abducted by Hamas militants during the October 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Alumim in southern Israel. The assault resulted in the deaths of ten Nepali students, with Joshi being the only one taken hostage. Eyewitnesses reported that Joshi heroically threw a live grenade back at the attackers, saving lives before his abduction.
The recently released 33-second video shows Joshi speaking in English, identifying himself as a 23-year-old student from Nepal who arrived in Israel 25 days prior to the attack. He mentions working on a citrus and lemon farm as part of his agricultural studies. At the end of the video, Joshi looks off-screen, possibly indicating the presence of a captor. This is the first visual evidence of his condition since his abduction.
Pushpa Joshi, Bipin’s sister, confirmed that the video was released to encourage the finalization of a hostage release deal. She emphasized the family’s enduring hope, stating, “It’s almost two years, and we can’t wait anymore.” The family has been tirelessly advocating for Bipin’s release, with Pushpa traveling to Kathmandu to meet with government officials and appeal for assistance.
Nepal’s government has been actively involved in efforts to secure Bipin’s release, engaging with officials from Qatar and Egypt to facilitate negotiations. In a meeting with the visiting Qatari Emir, Nepal’s president appealed for help in freeing the student, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in resolving such humanitarian crises.
Conclusion:
The release of this video serves as a crucial reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the plight of hostages held in Gaza. While it provides a glimmer of hope for Bipin Joshi’s family, it also underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the hostage situation. As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring all hostages home safely.
