Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Hanan Goder, demanded the unconditional release of 125 individuals, among them Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi, who was abducted by the fundamentalist group Hamas. He made this plea during an event held in Kathmandu to commemorate Israel's 76th Independence Day. Goder emphasized Israel's insistence on the release of all hostages, including Joshi, during his address, attended by Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav.
Expressing Israel's commitment to fostering peace and tolerance in West Asia, Ambassador Goder highlighted the enduring bond between Israel and Nepal. He commended Nepal's historic decision to establish diplomatic relations with Israel in 1960, underscoring the strength of the relationship between the two nations and their people despite geographical distance.
The event, graced by the presence of Deputy Speaker, MPs, political leaders, former foreign ministers, and diplomatic mission heads, served as a platform to advocate for the release of hostages and to celebrate the longstanding ties between Israel and Nepal. Additionally, government officials, industrialists, media representatives, and other dignitaries were in attendance.
As part of the Independence Day commemoration, images depicting the aftermath of an extremist group Hamas attack in Israel eight months prior were showcased. The attack, which occurred on October 7, 2023, resulted in the loss of 1,139 lives, including ten Nepali students. Furthermore, 252 Israelis and foreigners were held captive by the group, with Bipin Joshi among those awaiting release.
Following a temporary ceasefire, Hamas released 150 individuals, including 22 foreigners; however, Bipin Joshi remains among the captives awaiting liberation. The event underscored the ongoing efforts to secure the release of all hostages, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in addressing such challenges.
