In a historic move aimed at ending the devastating war that has ravaged the Gaza Strip for the past two years, Hamas on Monday released all 20 living Israeli hostages.
The release came under a ceasefire agreement brokered through U.S. mediation, which has ignited new hope for lasting peace in the Middle East.
During his visit to Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump officially announced the implementation of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal. President Trump stated that the agreement “effectively ends the war and opens the door to regional peace.”
Under the terms of the deal, Israel will free more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and allow the unrestricted flow of food and humanitarian aid into Gaza. The move is seen as a significant step toward postwar reconstruction and the normalization of daily life in the region.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed through the International Committee of the Red Cross that it had received 13 hostages. They were taken to a military base in southern Israel, where they will be reunited with their families before being airlifted by helicopter to various hospitals for medical evaluations.
Hamas also confirmed that it had officially handed over the 13 living hostages to Red Cross officials. According to the Israeli army, all hostages will be safely returned to Israel, where they will receive necessary medical and psychological support following their health assessments.
After tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction caused by the Gaza war, this agreement is viewed as a turning point toward peace. Monday’s release marks the practical beginning of the ceasefire’s implementation and highlights a renewed possibility for regional stability.
We won’t lose hope of Bipin’s return until Hamas says otherwise
Relatives of Bipin Joshi from Kanchanpur have said they remain hopeful for his return until the Hamas group officially confirms otherwise.
Although the Israeli army informed the Nepali Embassy today that it has found no evidence proving Bipin is alive, his family members remain unconvinced. Kishor Joshi, Bipin’s cousin (elder uncle’s son), said the family will continue to wait for him until all hostages are released.
“There is no reason for us to lose hope. We still believe my brother will return,” he said. “Hamas has not said anything yet. They must speak about him. Since Hamas hasn’t said anything, our hope is still alive.”
The family also complained that various rumors circulating on social media and in the news have caused them great distress.
Bipin had traveled to Israel in late August 2023 along with 49 other students under the Learn and Earn program after completing his final-year exams at the Tikapur Agriculture Campus under Far Western University. On October 7, 2023, during the Hamas attack on Israel, 10 Nepali students were killed, while Bipin was taken hostage by the group. He has been out of contact with his family since October 7, 2023.
