KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 9

In a devastating turn of events, ten Nepali nationals, all of them agriculture students, have become casualties of the recent attacks launched by Hamas in Israel. The government is now strategizing to evacuate Nepali citizens from the region as this development sends shockwaves through the Nepali community and beyond.

These students were part of a group of 17 studying at Kibbutz Alumim. Two students are safe, while four are receiving medical care after sustaining injuries during the attack. However, one student remains missing, raising fears of an unfortunate fate.

In total, 265 Nepali students are pursuing agricultural studies in Israel as part of the Israeli government's 'learn and earn' program. Among them, 119 hail from Nepal Agriculture University, 97 from Tribhuvan University, and 49 from Sudurpaschim University, all students of bachelor's degree in agriculture.

Furthermore, a substantial Nepali workforce of 4,500 individuals is currently employed in various capacities across Israel.

The Embassy of Nepal in Israel has released a notice, urging Nepali citizens facing difficulties to formally register themselves. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the operations at the Tel Aviv airport remain unaffected, ensuring the smooth flow of flights.

To this end, an online registration is being prepared in coordination with MOFA, Nepal Embassy in Tel Aviv and Israel government, it has been learnt.

In response to the distressing situation, the government has been urged to expedite the rescue of stranded Nepalis including the students. Meanwhile, the government has placed an aircraft on standby, ready to bring back the bodies of the deceased. This decision was made during a meeting of the Coordination Mechanism, led by Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud, which also seeks to explore options for relocating Nepali citizens in Israel to safer areas.

In parallel, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has called for a special Cabinet meeting today, to address the concerning developments in Israel and the plight of the Nepali community there. Following this, an all-party meeting has also been summoned to deliberate on the situation and chart a way forward during this trying time.