Pushpa Joshi, the sister of Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi, released a long-held "sign of life" video of her brother this week, stating the action was taken specifically to pressure negotiators meeting in Cairo and world leaders to finalize a deal for the hostages’ release.
Speaking from the US, where her family’s stay has been extended to advocate for Bipin, Pushpa explained her decision to release the video despite the pain it causes her family.
"It's almost two years, and we can't wait anymore," Pushpa told The Jerusalem Post during a media session, just minutes ahead of the publication of a video of her brother obtained a year prior. “We have no power to wait anymore."
The release of the footage was intended to counter fears that Bipin may no longer be alive after the last public confirmation of his status showed him in Al-Shifa Hospital.
"So many people come to me and they ask me, ‘we just see the footage of your brother in Al-Shifa Hospital. After that, we haven’t seen anything, and maybe something bad has happened to him," Pushpa shared. “Because of that, [our family] decided to release this video to say that my brother is in Gaza and he's alive."
However, Pushpa revealed that the footage is not recent. She recalled first seeing the video a year ago and confirmed that the family has not received any new information or intelligence about Bipin's condition since that time.
'My whole body was shaking, and I can't control my tears'
She described the devastating impact of first seeing the video with her parents. "When I saw that video, my whole body was shaking, and I can't control my tears," she shared. "It was really critical and very hard time for me and my family as well." She added, noting that the family was relieved to find his face and body without visible injuries.
The timing of the video's release was deliberately coordinated with the ongoing high-stakes negotiations in Cairo. Pushpa hoped the footage would compel action, saying, "If I release this video right now, maybe it can create a little bit pressure on them, that they will able to understand our feelings, our pain."
Her ultimate request to all parties at the negotiation table was direct and emotional: "Please don't go back. Please don't look back. And try to understand the pain of the hostages and the hostages' families. And take good action for their safe release."
Pushpa confirmed that her current visit to the US was extended to advocate for her brother in Washington and New York. While she has been to the United Nations, her primary goal is to meet with President Donald Trump.
She expressed gratitude for the President's previous actions regarding the hostages, saying, "I thank Mr. President for taking this action. Your action gives us hope, and we are totally depending on you." She finished with an appeal for decisive leadership: "I really hope that your steps will give us [Bipin] and our lives back.”