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Nepal welcomes Gaza peace deal; calls for immediate release of hostages, including Nepali national
Kathmandu, October 10, 2025 — Nepal has welcomed the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas aimed at implementing the initial phase of the peace plan and is urgently calling for the release of all hostages, including Nepali national Bipin Joshi, who has been held by Hamas since 2023, reports 24brussels.
In a statement on X, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized, “Nepal welcomes the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas to implement the first phase of the ‘Middle East Peace Plan’ proposed by the President of the United States. We call for the immediate release of all hostages, including Nepali national Bipin Joshi, who has been held by Hamas since 7 October 2023.” The ministry urged all relevant parties to adhere to the plan’s provisions, facilitate humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and contribute to a sustainable peace process in the region.
The statement also commended the roles of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye in brokering the much-anticipated agreement. It reflects a collective effort to address a long-standing conflict and provide relief to the affected populations.
Earlier this month, the Times of Israel disclosed a video featuring Bipin Joshi, an agricultural student from Nepal, who was abducted during the onset of violence on October 7, 2023. The footage, reportedly captured by the Israeli Defence Forces, is believed to have been filmed in November 2023. In May, Israeli officials affirmed that Joshi’s fate remained uncertain, though his family has expressed hope for his safe return.
Amidst these developments, the Israeli government has ratified a ceasefire and hostage release agreement aligned with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza Peace Plan. This decision followed a convening of Israel’s security cabinet, called by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where officials confirmed that the ceasefire would take effect immediately.
The meeting in Jerusalem included significant figures, such as Steve Witkoff, US President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, and Jared Kushner. The Israeli government has approved the preliminary phase of the ceasefire, which anticipates the exchange of hostages and Israel’s withdrawal from specific areas of Gaza. Furthermore, Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya commented on guarantees from the US that this initial phase signifies a complete cessation of hostilities in Gaza.