Hamas militants on Monday evening handed over the bodies of four hostages, including Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, to Israeli authorities. Joshi had been abducted 738 days ago during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

According to Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel Dhan Prasad Pandit, Israeli authorities are conducting DNA tests to confirm Joshi’s identity. “It will take around 24 to 48 hours for the results. Once confirmed, the body will be handed over to his family in Kathmandu,” Pandit said.

The Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, identified the deceased captives as Guy Ilouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, and Daniel Perez.

Joshi’s name was missing from the list of 20 living hostages freed earlier under a US-brokered ceasefire deal. His death was confirmed by Israeli officials, who briefed Ambassador Pandit and Joshi’s family in a virtual meeting on Monday.

A student under Israel’s Learn and Earn Programme, Joshi was working at the Alumim kibbutz with 16 other Nepalis when Hamas launched its assault. Ten Nepalis were killed, five were injured, and one escaped unharmed in the attack.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government had pursued all possible diplomatic channels to secure Joshi’s release, engaging with officials from Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and the US.

Joshi’s family, who had travelled to Israel and the US seeking his release, are now awaiting the return of his body to Nepal.