Kathmandu, October 14, 2025: Nepal has formally demanded justice for Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student who was killed while in Hamas captivity, having been abducted in October 2023, reports 24brussels.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on Tuesday evening, highlighting the necessity of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Joshi’s death. He had been in Israel under the “Learn and Earn” program when he was abducted on October 7, 2023. The ministry’s statement requests ongoing initiatives to uncover the truth and ensure justice, including providing Joshi’s family with social security, compensation, and other support.

The press release also noted that Nepali Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai spoke with Eden Bar Tal, Director-General of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bar Tal conveyed condolences on behalf of the Israeli government, expressing remorse for Joshi’s death and extending sympathy to his family and the people of Nepal.

Hamas transferred Joshi’s body to Israel yesterday through the Red Cross, with the Foreign Ministry confirming that the body has been identified and preparations are underway to return it to Nepal. The announcement follows a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which reported that Joshi was murdered during the initial months of the Gaza conflict that erupted in October 2023.

🟡 IDF representatives informed the families of Guy Iluz, Bipin Joshi, and two additional deceased hostages, whose names have not yet been cleared for publication by their families, that their loved ones have been brought back for burial.

According to the information and… pic.twitter.com/sL7HpkiN5l

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 14, 2025

The IDF stated that final conclusions regarding Joshi’s death will be determined following an investigation by the National Centre of Forensic Medicine. In addition, the IDF confirmed that the families of Joshi and two other deceased hostages have been notified that their loved ones’ bodies are being returned for burial. According to the IDF, Joshi, who was 23 at the time of his abduction from a shelter in Kibbutz Alumim, was reported dead in captivity during the early stages of the conflict.

Joshi was participating in Israel’s Learn and Earn Programme, working at the Alumim kibbutz alongside 16 other Nepali nationals when Hamas began its attacks in October 2023. The assault resulted in ten Nepalis killed, five injured, and one who escaped unharmed. Until now, Joshi’s status had remained unclear, as he was not included among the 20 hostages released earlier under a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US. His death was ultimately confirmed to Nepali officials in a virtual meeting on Monday.

Efforts by successive Nepali administrations to secure Joshi’s release included diplomatic outreach to officials in Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and the US. His family, who traveled to both Israel and the US to advocate for his freedom, are currently awaiting the return of his remains to Nepal.