Bipin Joshi, Nepalese Hindu Student, Taken Hostage By Hamas, Confirmed Dead

Bipin Joshi, Taken Hostage By Hamas, Confirmed Dead: Bipin Joshi, a Nepalese Hindu student, who was taken hostage by Hamas, more than two years ago, has been declared dead. As per reports, his death was confirmed on Monday as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal.

The Nepalese Hindu student, was 22 at the time of the attack. He had visited from Nepal to Gaza for a farm training programme at Kibbutz Alumim. Reportedly, he was the only non-Israeli and the only Hindu hostage said to be alive in Gaza.

Confirming the same to Republica, Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel Dhan Prasad Pandit said, “The body of Bipin Joshi was handed over to Israeli authorities by Hamas and is being taken to Tel Aviv.” 

Meanwhile, the Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin also confirmed the same and stated that Hamas had returned the bodies of four hostages. DNA test will also be carried out. Joshi's funeral is expected to be performed in Israel in presence of Nepali embassy.

What happened to Bipin Joshi?

Bipin left for Gaza to join 16 other students for an agricultural study and work programme at Kibbutz Alumim, near Gaza border in September 2023. But on October 7 morning, he was bound to take shelter in a bomb bunker after a surprise attack launched by Hamas terrorists. 

Interestingly, Joshi saved several lives when a number of grenades were thrown inside, he grabbed one live grenade and threw it out before the blast, as per Times of Israel. Following the incident, he was injured in the attack and later captured by Hamas gunmen. 

Later, several video footage released by the Israeli military showed Joshi being dragged into Gaza’s Shifa Hospital. 

Hamas hands over bodies

In a latest development, as part of ceasefire deal, Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades announced the names of four deceased hostages: Bipin Joshi, Guy Illouz, Daniel Peretz, and Yossi Sharabi. Duering the deal, 20 living hostages were also released to the Red Cross. 

As per the reports of PTI, Joshi had been the only Hindu still believed to be alive in captivity.