Israeli Ambassador demands release of 125 people including Bipin Joshi

Kathmandu: Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Hanan Goder has demanded the unconditional release of all 125 people, including Bipin Joshi, who was abducted by the fundamentalist group Hamas.

He made such demand while addressing a programme organized in Kathmandu on the occasion of Israel’s 76th Independence Day on Thursday. Ambassador Goder informed that Israel wants the release of those who were held hostage.

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav graced the program. Goder further expressed his commitment that Israel would continue to maintain peace and tolerance in West Asia.

The Ambassador lauded the bold step of the then-Nepal government realizing the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Nepal in 1960. He viewed that although Israel and Nepal are geographically distant, the relationship between the governments and the people is strong.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker, MPs, leaders of various political parties, former foreign ministers, heads and officers of the diplomatic missions, high-ranking officials of the government, industrialists, businesspersons, media persons and other dignitaries.

On the occasion of Independence Day, photos of the damage caused in Israel by the extremist group Hamas eight months ago were displayed. A total of 1,139 persons, including 10 Nepali students died in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In the attack, the group took hostage 252 Israelis and foreigners.

During the temporary ceasefire, Hamas released 150 people, including 22 foreigners. Bipin Joshi is one of the captives awaiting release.