Bipin Joshi, a Nepalese student kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, has been confirmed dead. His body was returned to Israel after more than two years in captivity, overshadowing the release of 20 living hostages as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal.
Joshi, 22 at the time of the attack, had traveled to Israel for a farm training program at Kibbutz Alumim near the Gaza border. He was the only non-Israeli and the only Hindu hostage believed to be alive. Israeli authorities received his remains from Hamas, and DNA testing will precede repatriation to Nepal. His funeral is expected in Israel in coordination with the Nepali embassy.
Heroic Actions During Attack
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Joshi helped save the lives of his classmates by throwing a live grenade out of their shelter. Injured during the attack, he was subsequently captured and taken into Gaza. Video footage later showed him being dragged into Shifa Hospital—the last known sighting alive.
Over the following two years, his family tirelessly lobbied for his release, traveling internationally and holding protests. Joshi’s bravery has been widely acknowledged in Nepal and Israel. Ten of the 17 Nepali students in his program were killed during the attack.
Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed the names of four deceased hostages, including Joshi, as part of the ceasefire arrangement. His courage remains a symbol of resilience and heroism.
