Nepal Prime Minister summons emergency cabinet meeting to discuss Israel situation

Kathmandu [Nepal]: Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has summoned an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday to discuss ongoing situation in Israel and the repatriation of Nepali citizens.

Following the cabinet meeting scheduled for today at 4 pm (local time) Dahal has also called for an all-party meeting later at his office, according to Nepal PM’s Secretariat.

The Israeli Police have confirmed the deaths of at least 10 students from Nepal who were killed in the ongoing attack by Hamas terrorists in Israel.

The Nepal government has also called on its citizens residing in Israel to register themselves online as it plans to repatriate them. Arjun Ghimire, First Secretary at the Nepali Embassy in Israel, said that an announcement regarding details will be made by the Foreign Ministry.

The Embassy of Nepal issued a notice, calling on distressed Nepal citizens to register themselves as operations at the Tel Aviv-based airport are proceeding without disruption enabling passage of flights, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a late-night release issued on Sunday stated, “We have requested the Israeli government to promptly identify and arrange for repatriation of the deceased Nepal nationals, as well as to ensure the rescue and appropriate medical treatment for the injured.”

To make the process smoother, online registration is being prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nepal Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israel government.

“This registration will collect crucial details from Nepali citizens wishing to return to Nepal from Israel,” the statement added.

“As the fighting enters the third day, about 10 Nepali students has been confirmed killed who were in Israel under the “Learn and Earn” program supported by Israeli government. The deceased- students from Sudur Paschim University of Nepal fell victim to an attack by the Palestinian militant group- Hamas,” according to the official statement.
According to Israeli local media cited by the Times of Israel, more than 700 people in Israel have died since October 7 when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack in Israel.

According to Israeli government, over 2000 people have been injured in the attack. According to the Government Press Office, a body that operates under the Israeli PM’s office, over 100 people have been taken as hostages in Gaza.
On Sunday, Nepal’s Foreign Minister NP Saud while addressing the house session announced the formation of a mechanism to coordinate and rescue the distressed citizens from Israel.

“The mechanism formed under the supervision of the Foreign Minister has been assigned to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and rescue of Nepali citizens in Israel,” the statement noted.
To further extend help, the ministry also released contact details for officials from the Nepal Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “urging affected individuals to remain in contact with them and maintain vigilance during this challenging period.”

The Israeli citizens can contact them on +972(0)35168085, or the Ambassador Kanta Rizal at +972545864423, or First Secretary Arjun Ghimire at +972528289300, according to the statement. They can also email them to “nepal.embassy@012.net.il”.

Earlier, In a post shared on X, NP Saud said, “The latest update on the attack in Israel’s southern region since 6:30 AM (Nepali Time), Oct. 7, 2023, and its repercussions on Nepalis in the affected area are as follows: At present, there are approximately 4,500 Nepali nationals serving as caregivers in Israel.
Additionally, 265 Nepali students are participating in Israel’s learning and earning program, sponsored by the Israeli government.”

Earlier on Saturday, Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal condemned the unprecedented attack by Hamas terrorists while extending his sympathies to the injured Nepalese citizens in Israel..
In a statement shared on X, Dahal stated, “I unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack in Israel this morning. Nine of the Nepalis have been reportedly injured. At this critical hour, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to injured Nepalis and other innocent victims and their families.”

Further, the Nepal Foreign Ministry stated that it was in close contact with citizens living in Israel and was facilitating the medical assistance of the injured.