The Nepali government has officially confirmed the tragic loss of ten Nepali citizens in the recent terrorist attack in Israel perpetrated by the Islamist group Hamas. This distressing revelation was communicated by an embassy official on the evening of October 8.
Arjun Ghimire, First Secretary at the Nepali Embassy in Israel, revealed to ANI, “Israeli Police have verified that the bodies of 10 Nepalis have been identified. Some are still unaccounted for, and others are in critical medical condition, so the casualty count may rise. A comprehensive update will be provided by the Foreign Ministry in due course.”
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud indicated potential Nepali casualties in the Hamas attack on Israel. In a statement shared on X, he detailed, “As of 6:30 AM (Nepali Time), Oct. 7, 2023, the latest information on the attack in Israel’s southern region and its impact on Nepalis in the affected area is as follows: Currently, there are approximately 4,500 Nepali nationals working as caregivers in Israel. Additionally, 265 Nepali students are participating in Israel’s learning and earning program, sponsored by the Israeli government.”
“Out of these students, 119 belong to Agriculture and Forestry University, 97 to Tribhuvan University, and 49 to Far-Western University. Notably, 17 out of the 49 students from Sudurpaschim University were studying in Kibbutz Alumim, situated in southern Israel. According to the latest information from the Nepali Embassy, Kibbutz Alumim is in close proximity to the Gaza area, where a severe attack was carried out by the Hamas group. Among the 17 Nepali students in that area, 2 have been confirmed safe, while 4 are undergoing medical treatment at a local hospital for injuries. Unfortunately, the status of the remaining 11 individuals is uncertain as they are unreachable, raising concerns about potential casualties. Efforts are being made to gather accurate information and comprehensively assess the situation.”
Saud emphasized that the Nepal government swiftly responded to the attack in Israel. He conveyed that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ led a meeting to establish a coordination mechanism. He assured that the Nepal government is committed to providing necessary support, coordination, and assistance to Nepalis in Israel.
In his communication on X, Saud stated, “The Government of Nepal has promptly and deeply concernedly responded to this tragic incident in Israel. This morning, the Honorable Prime Minister chaired a meeting during which a coordination mechanism was established, encompassing all relevant agencies and overseen by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The primary objective of this mechanism is to vigilantly monitor the incident, conduct a thorough evaluation of the situation, ascertain the well-being of Nepalis, make informed decisions regarding rescue efforts, and ensure effective coordination and support.”
“Extensive coordination and facilitation initiatives are being undertaken in collaboration with the Israeli government to accurately determine the condition of Nepalis in Israel, guarantee their safety, and provide necessary rescue and support. The Government of Nepal is fully dedicated to furnishing essential support, coordination, and facilitation to Nepalis in Israel. Additional updates regarding this matter will be disseminated promptly as soon as they become available.”
The fierce confrontation between the Israeli military and the Palestinian extremist group Hamas has, thus far, resulted in over 1,000 casualties and 2,200 injuries.
Since the surprise attack by Hamas on Saturday morning, over 700 individuals have lost their lives in Israel. In retaliatory actions, Israel’s counterstrikes have claimed the lives of 370 people in Palestine.
Hamas launched an extensive surprise attack against Israel, firing approximately 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip, marking one of the most significant assaults on Israel in recent years.
Responding to the situation, Israeli forces launched military offensives towards Gaza after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “We are at war, and we will win” in a video statement on Saturday. He added, “Our enemy will pay a price the type of which it has never known.”
Israel has announced ‘Operation Iron Swords’ against Hamas following the declaration of a ‘state of war’. A fierce battle is currently underway in Israel and the Gaza Strip.
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