Hamas releases more hostages, Bipin Joshi not among those released

KATHMANDU: Despite a recent deal between Israel and Hamas to swap detainees and hostages, Bipin Joshi, a Nepali national, was not among the 41 people freed by Hamas.

There were 24 releases on Friday and 17 on Saturday.

Joshi, who was held hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct 7, is still missing, and his present whereabouts are unclear. Despite the Nepali government’s diplomatic efforts, he was not among the freed inmates.

The government of Nepal sought aid in the rescue attempts for Joshi during the recent visit of Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.

Nepal has also communicated with the Israeli authorities, pleading for their assistance in obtaining Joshi’s release.

Bipin Joshi, hailing from Kanchanpur, Nepal, continues to be in captivity, adding to the ongoing concerns for his well-being and safe return.

Hamas killed 1,200 people and took 240 hostages on Oct 7.

More than 14,500 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since Hamas started the war, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza.

Although both sides say the war is not over and fighting will resume, US President Joe Biden has said there is a real possibility that the temporary ceasefire could be extended.