UN Palestinian agency gets nod for Nobel
Oslo – A Norwegian politician said on Thursday that he has nominated the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, embroiled in a controversy over the alleged involvement of employees in the 7 October attack on Israel, for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Labour MP Asmund Aukrust told the Dagbladet newspaper he had nominated the UN Relief and Works Agency “for its long-term work to provide vital support to Palestine and the region in general”.
Over a dozen countries, including major donors the United States, Germany, Britain and Sweden, have suspended funding to the UN agency over accusations that 12 staff members were involved in the deadliest attack on Israel staged by Hamas on 7 October.
The attack resulted in the deaths of about 1 140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Being nominated for the peace prize does not represent recognition by the Nobel committee, which receives hundreds of nominations every year.
Thousands of people, including lawmakers and cabinet members of all countries, former laureates and some university professors, had until Wednesday to submit nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.
In line with Nobel statutes, the identity of the candidates is kept confidential for 50 years, but those who have submitted nominations are free to reveal their pick.
Other names reported by media outlets include former US president Donald Trump, who is hoping to return to the White House this year, Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg, the UN refugee agency UNHCR, Pope Francis, Colombian president Gustavo Petro and the NGO
Reporters Without Borders.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announce their winner in October. Last year, imprisoned Iranian woman’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi was awarded “for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran.” –