✍️ Editorial

The abduction and brutal murder of Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi by Hamas is not merely a personal tragedy; it is a defining moment for Nepal’s foreign policy, national security posture, and moral clarity on terrorism. Joshi, a civilian with no involvement in the ongoing conflict, was kidnapped and killed in clear violation of international humanitarian law. This act is unequivocally an act of terrorism — one that Nepal can no longer treat with diplomatic ambiguity.

Joshi was not a combatant. Yet Hamas deliberately targeted non-Israeli civilians like him while using Israeli hostages as bargaining chips — a well-documented terrorist tactic. Adding to the gravity of the situation, some groups within Nepal were seen rallying in support of Hamas. While freedom of expression is fundamental, overt support for a foreign terrorist organization inside Nepal raises troubling questions about national responsibility and legal oversight.

Nepal’s relationship with Hamas or Palestine has never been strategic. In fact, the only tangible link between them is now marked by this heinous act of violence against a Nepali citizen. By contrast, Israel has consistently supported Nepal’s economic and social development, from agricultural cooperation to employment opportunities for thousands of Nepalis. These realities demand that Nepal reassess its position with greater strategic clarity.

The path forward is clear and urgent.
First, Nepal should officially designate Hamas as a terrorist organization through parliamentary or cabinet decision, aligning its policy with international norms.
Second, it should strengthen legal frameworks to investigate and prosecute any domestic activities that materially or ideologically support foreign terrorist groups.
Third, Nepal should adopt an active diplomatic stance at the United Nations and other international forums, collaborating with allies to support counterterrorism initiatives. If required, Nepal could consider contributing troops or humanitarian support to UN-led stabilization missions in Gaza, in cooperation with the United States and Israel.

Bipin Joshi’s murder has shaken the conscience of the Nepali people. While Hamas bears the primary responsibility, those who indirectly justify or support such acts cannot be morally exonerated. Likewise, policymakers who cast votes at the UN that indirectly empower terrorist actors must be held politically accountable. National voices are not to be traded; history remembers such moments clearly.

This is Nepal’s moment to act — not with rhetoric, but with principled and decisive policy. The world is watching. A firm, clear stand against terrorism will not only honor the memory of Bipin Joshi but also define Nepal’s place as a responsible member of the international community.