Israel
Body of murdered hostage Bipin Joshi returning to Nepal next week
Hamas finally released his body on Tuesday after more than two years
October 17, 2025 11:18
Hamas finally released his body on Tuesday after more than two years
October 17, 2025 11:18The body of murdered Nepalese hostage Bipin Joshi will be repatriated to his home nation for burial next week, according to Israeli media.
The 23-year-old agriculture student had only been in Israel, working on a kibbutz, for three weeks when he was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
He was living on Kibbutz Alumim in the Negev as part of an “earn and learn” programme along with 16 other Nepalese agriculture students – 10 of whom were murdered by Hamas.
Shortly before he was abducted, Bipin texted his cousin saying: “Stay faithful. Look to the future, take care of my family.”
It later emerged that Bipin – the only Nepalese national to be taken hostage – had bravely picked up a grenade and thrown it out of the shelter where he was hiding with his friends.
"I may not have survived if both grenades had exploded. Bipin showed courage and threw the grenade out," Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary told BBC Nepali.
Bipin’s family were hopeful that he may still be alive, right up until the last minute.
Just weeks ago, on the second anniversary of October 7, they released a Hamas propaganda video – discovered by the IDF in Gaza – which showed Bipin speaking to the camera.
Along with the video, which is thought to have been filmed in November 2023, his family released a statement, saying: “Marking two years since the horrific massacre that plunged thousands of families into the circle of loss and grief, and froze time for our family and other hostages families, we have chosen to share a sign of life of our beloved son, Bipin.
“This sign of life found in Gaza, which we are sharing with you today, serves as an anchor and a confirmation of our steadfast belief that he is alive.
“It is not easy for us to share it publicly, but we are in critical and historic days that will determine the fate of the 48 hostages, whether the living will return to their families and the deceased to a proper burial, or whether we will remain in pain without closure.”
Speaking to the JC in July, his sister Pushpa said, above all, she missed “dancing, singing, and discussing life and our futures” with her brother.
“My brother is innocent,” she added. “I request people of every nation to please do whatever you can for his safe release. It’s too much for us. It’s too much for him.”
Following the release of his body on Tuesday, Nepalese Prime Minister Sushila Kark, wrote on X: “I am stunned by the news confirming the tragic death of Bipin Joshi amidst two years of unwavering hope and prayers. This heartbreaking news has caused us profound pain.
"In this difficult moment, I offer my heartfelt tribute to him and express deep condolences to the grieving family and relatives.”
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