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Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary

The courageous student threw back a explosive device from militant forces before being taken hostage in the assault on Israel in the recent conflict, says the fellow Nepalese student he protected.

"My survival may not have endured if both grenades had detonated. He demonstrated courage and threw the grenade away," Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary shared with media outlets.

He was commenting after the defense forces identified his companion's body as being one of four deceased hostages returned by Hamas under the Gaza ceasefire accord.

The young student was twenty-three and working on a kibbutz when he was seized by Hamas into imprisonment along with numerous individuals on that fateful day. It remains unclear how or when he passed away.

His loved ones prayed right up to the negotiation cutoff that he might be among living hostages released on 13 October, but he was not, and a day later their deepest concerns were verified.

The Attack

Bipin, his friend and fifteen other Nepalese agriculture students had been in Israel for just over three weeks when their residence was attacked.

"We were aware that there may be a war in Israel. But we had little expectation that there may be any physical assault of that magnitude," Dhan Bahadur said. "We thought that there could be missile attacks and we would be protected if we remained underground, in the shelters."

For the young individuals who'd been selected under the national "educational initiative" it was a significant chance to make better lives for themselves and their loved ones in Nepal.

The survivor attributes his survival to Bipin's heroic actions.

"At the time of attack, two grenades were thrown near the bunkers. My friend grabbed one and hurled it outside; another detonated inside. Because of that explosion, myself and several companions were injured," he says.

"He was safe at that moment. If both grenades had exploded, I certainly would not have been talking with you today."

Ten of the Nepalese individuals were killed in the assault. Their companion was the sole person captured.

"We saw each other for the final occasion when he and fellow students were being shifted to another bunker," Dhan Bahadur explains. "Because, after the injury, could not move and I stayed in the first shelter. Later came to know that there were two attacks in the shelter where Bipin took refuge and was was taken prisoner from there."

From Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary

Personal Memories

The 27-year-old says he experiences profound grief after hearing about his colleague's passing. Dhan Bahadur and Bipin were classmates in their educational institution in their hometown, Nepal.

"His friends made every efforts from our perspective to ensure his release. We did everything. But recently, we had to face such devastating information. The entire nation is in mourning. I do not know what to say. Truly have no words to explain my sadness."

Dhan Bahadur explains Bipin and other students had the identical goal of making little savings and starting their personal enterprise after coming back from the exchange programme in Israel.

"Bipin enjoyed playing soccer and sports. We would chat for extended periods about our ambitions and dreams. My friend desired to get his body in good shape and to purchase a new device. Together even recorded a musical piece about companionship with a device. He also talked about showcasing himself in a music video."

Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary

Aftermath

On the specified date, the defense authorities stated they suspected Bipin Joshi was "killed in captivity during the initial period of the conflict". There's no way of externally verifying that.

But should this be the situation, Dhan Bahadur said, the international community should ask Hamas about why it happened.

He said he had lacked any support from national authorities following his injury but hoped the host nation would help his friend's family.

Bipin's close relatives have not released any statement so far.

Footage from 7 October depicted him moving inside a medical facility in the urban area. The family obtained no indication of life for a twelve months, until the Israeli military released a video of him in detention around that period.

Family members described the footage as "proof of life" just hours before the ceasefire deal was finalized, and were hoping for a miracle.

Currently in his native place of his community Bipin's family are grieving after receiving news of his death.

Hostages and Missing Families Forum

Family Situation

His mother and sister had gone to the United States to advocate for the release of hostages, the student's relative family member told media.

The relative states the family has limited expression to describe the sorrow. "Bipin's mother and sister are returning from America on Thursday. The father is unable to articulate the pain in language."

Meanwhile it's unclear when Bipin's remains will be returned to his relatives.

Israel is making required arrangements to repatriate his remains to Nepal, as it completed for the remaining individuals who died, the country's ministry of foreign affairs said.

"The authorities are all shocked by the information of the student's demise. In this time of sorrow [we] extend our {deep|pro