Remains of Bipin to be Released After DNA Testing

The remains of Bipin Joshi, the Nepali student abducted by Hamas is transported to Tel Aviv after being handed over by Hamas to Israeli authorities. The military wing of Hamas-the Qassam Brigades has confirmed the handover of the bodies of four hostages including Nepali national Bipin Joshi to Israeli authorities in the first stage of the deal.

Bipin Joshi was abducted during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamas says the other bodies handed over were those of Captain Daniel Peretz, Yossi Sharabi and Guy Iluz.

Israeli authorities are preparing to hand over the bodies to the families only after DNA testing confirming their identities.It is learnt Bipin Joshi’s body will also be sent to Nepal after DNA confirmation.

Joshi had been in Israel under the Learn and Earn agricultural training program when he was abducted from the Alumim Kibbutz on October 7, 2023 during Hamas’s attack. Hamas on Monday returned the last 20 living hostages it was holding, following the partial withdrawal by the Israeli military in the Strip under the US brokered ceasefire deal.

In return Israel released some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. Later Israel accused Hamas of failing to stand by the commitments it agreed to under the ceasefire by not releasing all the bodies it was holding.

Hamas has remained silent on the fate of the 24 other dead hostages it was holding. (Agencies)