Bipin Joshi, a Nepali agriculture student from Kanchanpur, was the only Nepali confirmed to be abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, Israel–Gaza conflict.
He had arrived in Israel under a student exchange program but was taken hostage from Kibbutz Alumim near Gaza—making headlines around the world.[1]
Bipin Joshi
| Native Name | बिपिन जोशी |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 October 2000 (age 25) |
| Birthplace | Kanchanpur, Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Father | Mahananda Joshi |
| Mother | Padamaa Joshi |
| Occupation | Student |
| Known For | Hamas hostage from Nepal |
| Died | 13 October 2025 (confirmed) |
| Place of Death | Gaza Strip |
| Status | Confirmed deceased |
From Kanchanpur to Kibbutz Alumim
Bipin grew up in the hills of Kanchanpur, in Nepal’s far west. He was studying agriculture at Far Western University when he got selected for Israel’s ‘Learn and Earn’ program. Along with 16 other students, he flew to Israel in September 2023 and was placed at Kibbutz Alumim, near Gaza.[2]
The Morning of the Attack
On the morning of October 7, 2023, everything changed. Hamas launched a surprise attack across the border. Armed militants entered the kibbutz and targeted foreigners, including the Nepali group.[3]
Bipin reportedly deflected a grenade thrown into the bunker where his friends were hiding. Some survived because of that act—but Bipin didn’t make it out. He was taken away by the attackers.[4]
Signs of Life
More than a month after the abduction, a CCTV clip surfaced. It showed a man in Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital, injured but alive. Bipin’s family confirmed it was him.
Hope, Diplomacy and Silence
The Government of Nepal activated multiple diplomatic channels to seek Bipin’s release.[5]President Ram Chandra Paudel directly requested intervention from the Emir of Qatar.[6]
The Family That Waits
Back in Nepal, Bipin’s sister Pushpa Joshi continues to speak out. Her voice has been echoed in media across the world. She has become the face of a family that refuses to give up hope—even after 600 days of silence.[7]
Still Missing
As of June 2025, Bipin Joshi is still missing. He was not listed in any of the hostage releases that took place between November 2023 and April 2025.[8]His status remains officially unresolved—but the world hasn’t forgotten him.
Confirmation of Death
On October 13, 2025, Hamas named Bipin Joshi among four hostages whose bodies will be handed over, according to The Times of Israel.[9]
Meanwhile, The Statesman also reported that Israeli officials have confirmed his death, though the family continues to hold hope.[10]
References
- Ceasefire kindles hope of hostage son's return to Nepal – BBC News ↑
- Timeline of Bipin Joshi – myRepublica ↑
- Family, friends fear for fate of Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi – Times of Israel ↑
- He threw a live grenade to save his friends – Ynet News ↑
- Nepal seeks US support for release of Bipin Joshi – Kathmandu Post ↑
- Nepal's president asks visiting Qatari emir to help free student held hostage by Hamas – AP News ↑
- Sister of Nepali Hamas hostage Bipin Joshi prays for his release – Times of Israel ↑
- Bipin, Joshua, Pongsak: The foreign nationals still held captive by Hamas – Ynet News ↑
- Hamas names 4 hostages whose bodies will be handed over today: Guy Illouz, Yossi Sharabi, Bipin Joshi, Daniel Perez — The Times of Israel ↑
- Bipin Joshi, Nepali student abducted in Israel, reported dead by Israeli officials; family still hopes — The Statesman ↑