KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has welcomed the peace agreement reached between Israel and Hamas.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the peace deal marks the first phase of implementing U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s “Middle East Peace Plan.”

In a statement issued by the Ministry, it said, “We urge all concerned parties to implement the plan in its true spirit, ensure the smooth flow of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, and pave the way for lasting peace in the war-torn region and beyond.”

Nepal also praised the governments of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their significant roles in bringing the long-awaited agreement to fruition.

The Ministry further stated that since the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, it has continuously called for the immediate release of all hostages, including Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi, who was abducted by Hamas.

His current condition remains unknown. Bipin’s mother and sister, Pushpa Joshi, have been making appeals for his release from New York, USA.

As part of the peace deal, Hamas has reportedly handed over an updated list of hostages to the Israeli government and mediators.

According to a list published by several international media outlets, out of 48 hostages, 20 are confirmed to be alive, while the status of Bipin Joshi and another hostage remains uncertain.

It is estimated that the remaining 26 have been killed. An agreement has been reached to release the remaining hostages by next Monday, although international media report that uncertainty persists over who is alive, dead, or still missing until the hostages are actually freed and handed over.