Kathmandu: A total of 254 Nepali nationals, rescued from Israel, arrived in Nepal early this morning via a Nepal Airlines Corporation wide-body aircraft.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud, and other government officials were present in Israel to facilitate the repatriation.
Speaking to the media at Tribhuvan International Airport after the rescue flight, Minister Saud informed that out of 503 Nepalis who sought to return from Israel, 254 were successfully brought back, with plans underway to repatriate the remaining individuals promptly.
The minister said that 557 Nepalis responded to the Embassy of Nepal’s call to provide their details online for relocation to safer areas and return to Nepal.
Among them, 503 applied for repatriation, while the rest were assisted in relocating to safer zones within Israel. He also mentioned that four Nepali citizens were injured during the Hamas militants’ attack in southern Israel. One has returned to Nepal after treatment, one has been discharged, and two are currently receiving treatment in an Israeli hospital.
Bipin Joshi, who went missing following the attack, is still being searched for, with the minister assuring to provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Regarding the tragic loss of 10 Nepali students from the Far-west University of Nepal, Minister Saud said that efforts are being made to coordinate with the Israeli government for the repatriation of their bodies. “The process might take some time due to the current high number of bodies in Israel, necessitating a thorough legal procedure.”
According to the Ministry, there are currently 265 Nepali students studying in Israel, along with approximately 4,500 individuals employed in various sectors.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured that the bodies of the deceased will be brought back to Nepal as soon as the necessary procedures are completed.
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