Kanchanpur’s Bipin Joshi, who went missing following the Hamas attack two years ago, remains under the militant group’s control. His family has once again launched international efforts to secure his safe release.
On Wednesday evening, Bipin’s mother, Padma Joshi, and sister, Pushpa Joshi, departed for the United States. Their plan is to travel through Washington and reach the United Nations, aiming to build global pressure for his release.
Speaking to reporters at the airport, his sister Pushpa said: “Earlier, when the Israeli government took us there, we could not make progress. But we refuse to give up. We still believe that only international voices can bring my brother back.”
Bipin’s father, Mahananda Joshi, made a direct appeal to the Nepal government:
“Dialogue with countries like Qatar could ensure my son’s safety. But two years have already passed in mere hope, and we are still left counting days.”
Background and current situation
Bipin had traveled to Israel under the “Learn and Earn” program of Far-Western University. He and his fellow Nepali students were caught in Hamas’s surprise assault. Ten Nepali students lost their lives in the attack.
Last Saturday, Hamas released what it called a “farewell photo” of 48 hostages, including Bipin. According to his family, the picture might have been publicized not as a sign of release but as a tactic to mount pressure on Israel amid escalating attacks.
With this U.S. visit, Bipin’s family once again seeks international solidarity and pressure to secure his safe return. Yet, the pressing question of when there will be concrete progress remains unanswered.
