Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel, Kanta Rijal, has confirmed that at least seven Nepali students studying at an Israeli university have been injured and are being held captive by Hamas forces. These students were part of the “Learn and Earn” program in Harzliya, sponsored by the Israeli government. Additionally, Ambassador Rijal mentioned that an additional 10 Nepali students are being held in captivity by Hamas forces at an agricultural farm in Southern Israel’s Alumim.

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Efforts have been made to inform Israel’s foreign ministry and rescue teams about the situation, and the affected students have been alerted. However, due to the intense fighting in the area, access has proven to be challenging. The students are currently taking shelter in a hostel.

These developments come amidst ongoing conflict in the region, with Hamas launching attacks that have resulted in casualties on both sides. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has described the situation as being at war and has ordered the mobilization of reserves, emphasizing a determination to “win” in this conflict.

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Netanyahu stated, “We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war. This morning, Hamas launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early morning hours. I convened the heads of the security establishment and ordered, first of all, to clear out the communities that have been infiltrated by terrorists. This currently is being carried out. At the same time, I have ordered an extensive mobilization of reserves and that we return fire of a magnitude that the enemy has not known. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price. In the meantime, I call on the citizens of Israel to strictly adhere to the directives of the IDF and Home Front Command. We are at war and we will win it.”