Norwegian politician Asmund Aukrust has nominated the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Aukrust cited UNRWA’s long-term support for Palestine and the region, emphasizing its crucial role over 70 years and particularly in the last three months.
The nomination comes amid controversy following Tel Aviv’s accusation of UNRWA’s alleged involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel.
Over a dozen countries, including the US, Germany, UK, and Sweden, have suspended funding to UNRWA.
The attack led to around 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians, and resulted in Hamas seizing about 250 hostages.
Following the Hamas attack, Israel initiated an invasion on Gaza and killed at least 27,000 Palestinians and injured over 65,000.
Other nominees related to the Israel-Gaza war include the International Court of Justice, Al-Haq, and B’Tselem.
The Nobel Committee’s recognition is not guaranteed, and nominations remain confidential for 50 years. The deadline for nominations is January 31.
