Post by : Roman
D Marks
In a somber turn of events, Bipin Joshi, a Nepali Hindu student abducted by Hamas during their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has been confirmed deceased. His remains were turned over to Israeli officials by Hamas, marking a poignant moment amidst ongoing peace initiatives in the area.
This confirmation arrived as global leaders convened for the Middle East peace summit spearheaded by US President Donald Trump, where a pivotal Gaza peace accord was reached, resulting in Hamas freeing 20 hostages alive. Nevertheless, the news of Joshi's death cast a pall over the otherwise optimistic developments.
Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, announced that Joshi’s remains were being sent to Tel Aviv late Monday night. “Hamas has handed over the body of Bipin Joshi to Israeli authorities, and it is being transported to Tel Aviv,” Pandit reported. The Israeli military also confirmed the recovery of four bodies, including Joshi’s, which will undergo DNA testing before they can be returned to Nepal. His final rites will be conducted in Israel with the Nepali embassy’s assistance.
Joshi’s saga began with aspirations and dreams. In September 2023, he journeyed from a small Nepalese town to Kibbutz Alumim, located near the Gaza border, as part of an agricultural study and work initiative alongside 16 other students. This program was designed to teach modern Israeli agricultural practices—an ideal opportunity for many young Nepalese.
That aspiration turned into tragedy when Hamas militants orchestrated a deadly offensive on October 7, 2023. As alarms signaled the impending attack, Joshi and his peers sought refuge in a bunker. Soon after, Hamas fighters launched grenades inside. One grenade exploded, injuring several students, but Joshi displayed remarkable bravery—he threw the second grenade out before it could explode, saving numerous lives. Moments afterward, he was captured and taken to Gaza.
In the days following his capture, videos released by the Israeli military appeared to show Joshi being taken into Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, which marked his final known appearance. His family maintained unwavering hope, with his mother and sister traveling to both Israel and the United States to advocate for his freedom.
Joshi, who would have turned 25 on October 26, is remembered as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice. His demise is a heart-wrenching reminder of the human toll involved in the Gaza conflict, even as peace negotiators strive for a durable solution.
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