KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 24

Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud, urged Qatar's visiting State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, to take initiatives for the release of Bipin Joshi from Hamas captivity.

According to Foreign Minister's chief private secretary, Deepak Raj Joshi, the Qatari minister was specifically urged to work towards securing Bipin's release among a group of 50 individuals reportedly set to be freed by Palestine's militant group, Hamas.

In response, the Qatari state minister assured prompt initiatives for Joshi's release. During the meeting, the Foreign Minister praised Qatar's role in facilitating the ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and its ongoing efforts to liberate those still held captive by Hamas.

Previously, the Minister summoned Israel's ambassador to Nepal on Thursday to discuss the same matter.

Nepali student Joshi was taken hostage by Hamas in Israel on October 7, and a total of 10 Nepali students were killed in the assault by the rebel group.