KATHMANDU: It has been confirmed that in recent attacks carried out by the Palestinian radical group Hamas on Israel, at least 10 Nepali citizens lost their lives, and three individuals sustained injuries.
Hamas launched a major offensive against Israel, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, which began on October 6th. Israeli officials have reported a grim toll, with casualties exceeding 600 and hundreds more wounded.
Among the victims were Nepali citizens, as confirmed by Nepali Ambassador to Israel, Kanta Rijal. The following individuals lost their lives in the attacks: Narayan Prasad Neupane from Ghodaghodi-4 Kailali, Ganesh Kumar Nepali from Jai Prithvi-6, Bajhang, Ashish Chaudhary from Bauniya-3 Kailali, Dipeshraj Bista from Lekam-5 Darchula, Anand Shah from Saphi-6, Dhanusha, Rajesh Kumar Swarnakar from Madhuvan-1, Sunsari, Rajan Phulara from Panchnali-Doti, Padam Thapa from Lamikhal-8 Doti, Pravesh Bhandari from Sarada-3 Salyan, and Lokendra Singh Dhami from Malikarjun-4 Darchula.
Bidhan Sejuwal from Sarada-2 Salyan and Prabin Dangi from Sharan-3 Dang were injured and are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital for serious leg injuries. Himanchal Kattel from Gorkha-8, Gorkha, is also undergoing treatment at a local hospital, while Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary from Tikapur-9 Kailali has been discharged from the hospital after successful treatment. Pramod KC from Triveni-1, Salyan, is safe at Farm House Mamik, and Birender Chaudhary from Bhajani Trishakti-4, Kailali, is safe at a security post in Israel.
According to information provided to parliament by Foreign Minister NP Saud, approximately 4,500 Nepali citizens work as caregivers in Israel, and 265 students are participating in the ‘Learn and Earn’ program sponsored by the Israeli government. Among these students, 119 are from Agricultural University, 97 from Tribhuvan University, and 49 from Sudurpaschim University.
Foreign Minister Saud revealed that 17 Nepali citizens were attacked in an area known as Kibbutz Alumim in southern Israel, near the Gaza Strip. He mentioned, “Some of the 12 individuals remain uncontactable, and some may have sustained injuries. Therefore, a comprehensive effort has been mobilized to ascertain their status.”
In response to this crisis, a coordination mechanism has been established under the leadership of Foreign Minister Saud, following a meeting convened by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday morning. This coordination mechanism will assess the condition of Nepali citizens in Israel and make informed decisions regarding their rescue and support.