Family of Nepalese hostage Bipin Joshi to visit Israel for first time

The family of Nepalese hostage Bipin Joshi is visiting Israel for the first time today, the Foreign Ministry and the Directorate for Hostages, Missing Persons and Returnees at the Prime Minister’s Office say in a joint statement.

“Today, the family of hostage Bipin Joshi from Nepal will arrive in Israel for their first visit,” the statement reads, alongside a photo of the Joshi family waiting at a Nepalese airport with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass.

Joshi had arrived in Israel as a farming student before being abducted by Hamas terrorists from Kibbutz Alumim during the October 7, 2023, massacre.

His mother, Padma, and sister, Pushpa, are expected to meet with President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and military intelligence personnel, the statement continues. They will also tour the site of Joshi’s abduction in Kibbutz Alumim, and meet with his fellow farming students and survivors of the October 7 attack, according to the statement.

The statement adds: “Since November 2023, no sign of life has been received from [Joshi,] and there is deep concern for his life.” In May this year, Joshi was among three hostages, including Thai captive Pinta Nattapong, whose fate was determined by Israel as unknown. Nattapong, the only other foreign hostage held in Gaza at the time, was later announced dead after his body was recovered in a June IDF operation.

“The fight against terrorism is global and does not distinguish between religion, race, or gender. This visit is another call to all nations to act together against terrorism and to press for the return of all the hostages,” the statement adds.