Foreign Minister Saud Talks with Israeli Counterpart, Plea for Nepali Victims’ Repatriation

Foreign Minister NP Saud had a telephone conversation with Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. They spoke on Tuesday afternoon.

During the conversation, Foreign Minister Saud expressed his shock at the death of 10 Nepali citizens in an attack by the rebel Hamas group, in conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen.

“Your Excellency, the news of the death of 10 Nepalis has deeply saddened us. They were university students,” Saud mentioned during the conversation. “They had come to Israel as part of the Earn and Learn program. The tragic incident has left their family members in a state of grief and concern.”

Foreign Minister Saud also requested Foreign Minister Cohen to coordinate and facilitate the repatriation of the bodies of the Nepali citizens who lost their lives in the Hamas attacks to Nepal.

“Your Excellency, we need to repatriate the bodies of the deceased to our country as swiftly as possible. Any delay will only intensify the suffering of their family members,” he emphasized. “Therefore, I kindly request the necessary coordination and facilitation for the repatriation of the deceased to Nepal. The Nepalese embassy will collaborate with the Israeli government on this matter.”

Minister Saud further urged the Israeli government to assist in the medical treatment and care of the four Nepali citizens who were injured in the attack. He also conveyed the government’s request to ascertain the whereabouts and condition of a Nepalese citizen who has lost contact following the attack.

“Currently, four Nepalis are receiving medical treatment in Israeli hospitals. I implore you to provide them with the necessary medical care,” Minister Saud said. “Additionally, one Nepali remains unaccounted for. The Nepal government also seeks full cooperation from the Israeli government in locating this individual.”

Minister Saud also appealed to Minister Cohen to extend assistance to the Nepali citizens who have been relocated to safe areas by the Israeli army, ensuring their basic needs such as food.

“Thus far, we have received reports that other Nepali citizens are safe. However, many of them are sheltering in bunkers,” Saud conveyed during the conversation. “They are reaching out to their friends and families for essential supplies like food and water. We anticipate full support from the Israeli government in this regard.”

He also informed Minister Cohen that some citizens in bunkers are seeking alternative safe accommodations. “A number of these individuals have requested relocation to safer places,” Saud explained. “Our embassy is in constant coordination with your authorities, and your assistance is crucial in facilitating their transfer to secure locations.”

Minister Saud revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently gathering information about Nepali citizens in Israel. Once these details are compiled, they will seek the necessary assistance from the Israeli government for their repatriation or support.

During the conversation, Minister Saud conveyed his sympathy for the property damage caused by the Hamas group’s attack and expressed the solidarity of the government of Nepal with Israel during this challenging time.

Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen condemned the Hamas group as terrorists and extended his condolences for the loss of the 10 Nepalis in their attack. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured Nepali citizens.

He acknowledged that Israel is facing a difficult situation and assured Minister Saud that the Israeli government would provide the utmost support for the repatriation of the bodies of the 10 Nepalese citizens, the safety of Nepalis in Israel, and the return of those who wish to go back to Nepal.