The family of Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old agriculture student from Nepal kidnapped by Hamas two years ago, has released a video showing he was alive in Gaza as of November 2023.
The 33-second footage, first obtained by Israeli intelligence, had been under censorship until now. In the clip, Joshi introduces himself in English, saying he came to Israel for the “Learn and Earn” programme. He explains that he worked on citrus and lemon farms before his abduction. At the end of the video, he looks off-camera, silent and motionless.
His sister, Pushpa Joshi, who is currently in the US pressing for his release, said the family decided to release the video to put more pressure on negotiators. “It’s been almost two years, and we can’t wait anymore. Please understand the pain of the hostages’ families and act for their safe release,” she pleaded.
The Joshi family admitted it was painful to share the video publicly but called it a vital sign of life. They appealed to international leaders: “Do not give up on them. Bring them home.”
Bipin had arrived in Israel only three weeks before the October 7 attack. Reports say he helped save several people during the Hamas assault before being taken hostage.
