Nepal on Friday urged Qatar and Egypt to assist in securing the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student believed to be held captive by Hamas.

Following reports that Hamas plans to release 34 individuals under its captivity, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba on Friday requested the countries who have been mediating with the group to assist in securing the release.

Foreign Minister Deuba made the request with the Egyptian government as Egypt’s Ambassador to Nepal Noha Hamdy Ahmed ElGebaly paid a courtesy call on Deuba at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

“The conversation dwelt on various issues of bilateral relations between Nepal and Egypt while primarily focusing on the liaison of the government of Egypt for the immediate release of Bipin Joshi, who has been taken captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023,” the foreign ministry said in a post on X.

Matters related to the promotion of trade and economic partnership between the two countries were also discussed on the occasion, according to the ministry.

Likewise, Foreign Minister Deuba held a telephone conversation with Qatari Ambassador to Nepal Mishal Mohammed Ali Alansari, who is currently on vacation in Qatar.

During the conversation, the minister requested the government of Qatar, through the ambassador, to put Joshi’s name on the upcoming list of captives to be released, the foreign ministry said in a post on X.

According to the foreign ministry, the ambassador expressed his commitment to convey the concern raised by the minister to the Qatar government.

Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Deuba requested the Israeli government, through Ambassador Shmulik Arie Bass, to secure the release of Joshi. During a courtesy meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Deuba discussed Joshi’s condition and urged further initiatives for his release.

On October 7, last year, a Hamas attack on Israeli territory resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people, including 10 Nepalis, and the abduction of several individuals, including Joshi.

With reports of a potential release, Nepal is pushing for Joshi’s inclusion in the list of captives to be freed. Nepal has intensified its diplomatic efforts, engaging with the United Nations, international and regional forums, and bilateral and multilateral meetings. Minister Deuba has consistently appealed to the international community to assist in securing Joshi’s safe release.