The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, who remains captive under the control of Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has urged countries in contact with Hamas and mediating for a ceasefire to make further efforts for Joshi’s release following reports that Hamas plans to free some hostages.

Negotiators are set to meet in Doha on Tuesday to finalise details of a ceasefire deal, after US President Joe Biden indicated a possible agreement for a ceasefire and hostage release was imminent.

Minister Deuba held a phone conversation on Tuesday morning with Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, as part of the diplomatic push. Al-Khulaifi, who serves as Qatar’s chief negotiator in peace talks with Hamas, assured that efforts for a ceasefire were progressing positively.

He also assured that prioritising Bipin’s release was on Qatar’s agenda, with Hamas indicating plans to release some hostages in the first phase of releases, potentially including Joshi.

Last week, she appealed to the ambassadors of Egypt, Qatar, and Israel for special efforts to ensure Joshi’s safe return.

Hamas abducted Joshi during an attack on Israeli territory in October 2023, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths, including 10 Nepalis. Following recent reports of a potential release of captives, Nepal has intensified its diplomatic efforts, working through the United Nations and various international and regional forums to secure Joshi’s release.

The government continues to push for Joshi’s inclusion in the list of hostages to be freed, as international negotiations progress.