KATHMANDU: Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, the leader of Nepal's Maoist Center, made a major political move by signing a petition denouncing Israeli military activities against Palestinians. In the face of mounting international censure of Israel's activities, this action makes him the first well-known Nepali politician to publicly support Palestine.

Highlighting his sympathy for Palestinians, Prachanda kicked off the national signature drive at Ratna Park in Kathmandu. In response to growing worldwide condemnation of Israel's activities, he took this measure when the Worldwide Court of Justice issued an arrest order for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

To date, Nepal has not taken a strong stand against the Israeli assault and the alleged genocide in Palestine. This ambiguity persists despite the fact that thousands of Nepali nationals work in the region, giving the country a complex dynamic.

The poster highlights the predicament of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali national who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Although the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal has affirmed that he is alive, his status is still unknown.

Prachanda's move challenges the government's neutral position and highlights Nepal's growing political consciousness and sympathy for Palestine. In light of rising tensions, it also draws attention to the wider regional ramifications for Nepalis employed in Palestine.

As Nepal struggles to strike a balance between its foreign connections and protecting its nationals overseas, the petition and campaign represent a cry for justice and humanitarian action.