The ratification of the first phase of the Gaza peace deal by Israel and Hamas has rekindled the hope for the family of the lone Hindu taken hostage by the terror group two years ago. While the fate of Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old Nepali student, remains unknown, a video recently released by the Israeli military from Gaza has given his family fresh hope.
After months of dilly-dallying, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of the ceasefire deal after pressure from US President Donald Trump. The deal will see the remaining Israeli hostages being freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a halt to the fighting.
Around 47 hostages are in Hamas captivity, with Israel saying that at least 20 are believed to be alive, the CNN reported. Over 250 people, including women and children, were kidnapped by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, offensive in Israel.
HOW BIPIN JOSHI WAS TAKEN HOSTAGE?
Joshi, who was working at a farm in southern Israel as part of a study program, was among those kidnapped. He is the only Hindu captured by Hamas apart from other foreign nationals.
Joshi was part of a group of Nepali students who went to Israel as part of an agricultural training program.
During the October 7 attack, Joshi could well have been dead but his quick presence of mind saw him deflecting a grenade that was lobbed by the Hamas terrorists, according to a report in The Times of Israel.
While it saved the lives of several Israelis who were hiding with him in a safe room, Joshi could not prevent Hamas terrorists from killing 10 of his batchmates.
Minutes before he was kidnapped, Joshi managed to send several messages to his cousin in Nepal. “If something happens to me, you have to take care of my family. Be strong and always look toward the future,” the message by Joshi said.
WHAT VIDEO REVEALS
Since then, there has been no news of the Nepali student. Until recently when Israel released the video that was recovered by the forces in Gaza. It was then handed over to Joshi’s family.
The video is believed to have been filmed weeks after Joshi’s kidnapping in 2023.
The over 30-second-long video shows Joshi introducing himself, likely at the demand of Hamas terrorists. “My name is Bipin Joshi. I am from Nepal. I am 23 years old… I came here for the ‘Learn and Earn’ program. I am a student,” Joshi says.
Joshi’s family, who have been actively advocating for his release in multiple global forums, said the video was “an anchor of firm faith that he is still alive”.
