On 7th October 2023, Hamas (a Palestinian Islamist organisation) launched a surprise attack on Israel by firing thousands of rockets into Israeli territory. Hamas fighters engaged in terrorism, murdering and kidnapping civilians, including women and children. 100-150 Israeli civilians were taken hostage, with Hamas releasing videos showing naked women being paraded on the streets. Israel subsequently declared war, launching retaliatory attacks on Hamas with clashes continuing into this week. Israel has confirmed 900 people have lost their lives in Israeli territory since the attack. Palestinian authorities have also confirmed over 700 deaths on their side.
On Saturday, 17 Hindu Students from Nepal were present during Hamas’ attack on Kibbutz Alumim, close to the Gaza Strip. Nepal’s Ambassador to Israel confirmed that 10 of the 17 have been murdered. Four of the remaining were left injured and are now receiving treatment, whilst two escaped injuries and one remains missing. 4,500 Nepali citizens currently work in Israel, mainly as caregivers. 265 students from Nepal are also studying in Israel.
The Nepal government has declared 10th October as a National Day of Mourning to pay tribute to the deceased, identified as Narayan P Neupane, Ganesh K Nepali, Ashish Chaudhary, Dipesh R Bist, Aanand Sah, Rajesh K Swarnkar, Rajan Phulara, Padam Thapa, Prabesh Bhandari and Lokendra S Dhami.
As British Hindus, we firmly stand against all violence.