The Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Foundation has issued an urgent appeal to Israeli Ambassador Shmulik Arie Bass, urging immediate diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi, who has been held captive by Hamas for over 680 days.
Background of the Case
Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old agricultural student from Nepal, found himself at the heart of a deadly attack by Hamas militants on Kibbutz Alumim in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Joshi had come to Israel as part of the “Learn and Earn” program. He was among 48 Nepali students pursuing a unique opportunity to blend academic study with hands- on farm work through this agricultural exchange package. The program, a cornerstone of educational exchange since 2013, was believed to provide students like Joshi an 11- month journey to gain practical skills in Israel’s advanced agricultural sector. During this attack by Hamas on October 7, a total of ten Nepali students were brutally murdered, six were injured, and Joshi was kidnapped along with several others.
According to survivors of this incident, Joshi bravely knocked back a grenade hurled by Hamas fighters towards them, saving many lives before being held captive. Security footage later revealed that he was transported alive to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.
Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Foundation’s Call for Diplomatic Action
A letter dated August 19, 2025, addressed to Ambassador Bass was recently published on the social media handles and website of Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Foundation. Ganesh Lamsal, the chairperson of the Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Foundation, has expressed concern over Joshi’s years-long abduction and requested the ambassador’s diplomatic influence to prioritise his immediate rescue. The statement by the foundation has emphasised that, despite Nepal’s attempts through mediators such as Egypt and Qatar, no significant breakthrough has been noticed till today. The Dr. Sandesh Lamsal Foundation, named after Dr. Sandesh Lamsal, a popular Nepali medical expert, philanthropist, and online personality, was established in 2025 in Dang District, Nepal. It is a non-profit organisation with a primary focus on healthcare, education, and humanitarian activities.
Current Diplomatic Initiatives
Bipin Joshi’s family, including his mother, Padma Joshi, and sister, Pushpa Joshi, have intensified their lobbying initiatives with the help of INGOs and concerned authorities. They are now in Israel, engaging with key officials, such as Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who assured them of Israel’s commitment to securing Joshi’s release. Ambassador of the State of Israel to Nepal, Bass, has pointed out that information from Arab sources indicates Joshi is alive and under the captivity of Hamas. While the precise condition and location of Bipin remain unknown to this date, Israel continues to work towards securing the release of all remaining hostages, estimated at 50 individuals, with around 20 believed to be alive.
Regional Mediation Efforts
The Nepali government has been actively engaging with Qatar and Egypt, as both are currently mediators in Hamas negotiations. Qatar’s Minister of State, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, recently assured Nepal that Qatar would prioritise Bipin Joshi’s case. He has expressed his keen intention to talk about the immediate release of Joshi with Hamas authorities.
According to recent reports, Hamas has agreed to a new 60-day peace agreement mediated by Egypt and Qatar. During this period, Hamas might plan to release some of the captives, as they did previously. However, Israeli officials have yet to issue an official reaction to the idea and confirm whether such action will happen any sooner.
International Pressure Mounts
The Israeli government is preparing to bring Joshi’s family to the United Nations to increase international pressure for his release. Travel documents have been arranged for Padma and Pushpa Joshi, with plans underway for them to meet with U.S. officials as well.
This case has echoed globally, with worldwide protests, including in Nepal and Israel, displaying Joshi’s image alongside the other captives, and Israeli officials repeatedly emphasised his heroic actions during the October 7 attack.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite major diplomatic efforts, Joshi is the only Nepali citizen currently in the captive of Hamas. Some hostages, notably Thais and Filipinos, have been released in earlier prisoner swaps, leaving Bipin separated from his loved ones for more than 680 days. The entire world is worried by his extended detention, and people continue to advocate for his freedom from Israel’s”Hostages Square” in Tel Aviv. As peacekeeping negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, the global community keeps an eye out for events that might ultimately return Bipin Joshi home after nearly two years in abduction.
Comment