The Israeli government is preparing to take the mother and sister of Bipin Joshi to the United Nations as part of efforts to increase global pressure on Hamas for his release.

Joshi, a Nepali participant in Israel’s ‘Learn and Earn’ programme, was taken hostage during Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, when 1,200 people were killed and 251, including Joshi, abducted. Other 10 Nepali students were killed during the attack.

According to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, travel documents for Joshi’s mother Padma Joshi and sister Pushpa Joshi have been finalised, and arrangements are underway to bring them to Israel before facilitating their appearance at the UN.

The ministry further stated that preparations are being made for them to also meet the President of the United States to raise diplomatic support.

Sagi Karni, head of the bureau for south east Asia in Israel’s foreign ministry, revealed that only around 20 of the 50 remaining hostages are believed to be alive. “However, we don’t have the exact details as to who is alive and who is not,” Karni said.

Special Forces Captain Nadav Ben Yehuda stated he is personally involved in efforts to secure Joshi’s release and expressed hope to accompany him back to Kathmandu.

Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel, Dhan Prasad Pandit, said neither the Israeli government nor other sources have been able to confirm Joshi’s whereabouts and condition.

Hamas has also not provided any information. Nepal’s foreign ministers and other leaders in the past two years have frequently requested Qatar’s assistance in mediation efforts, with prior communication held with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Joshi’s family has repeatedly appealed to Nepali and Israeli authorities, including a virtual conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and several meetings with Israel’s envoy in Kathmandu. During a temporary truce earlier this year, some hostages from different countries were released, but Joshi was not among them.

The war has led to severe humanitarian consequences in the war-torn areas.

In retaliation to Hamas’ assault, Israeli attacks on Palestine have resulted in over 60,000 deaths, including approximately 18,500 children and 9,700 women, according to the BBC. Around 150,000 have been injured since the conflict began.