Nobel Peace Prize goes to atomic bomb survivors working to eliminate the nuclear bomb

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize has gone to a movement of survivors of the 1945 US atomic bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

The group Nihon Hidankyo has been working to eliminate the nuclear bomb, and for decades, has represented hundreds of thousands of survivors of the bombings.

The Nobel committee said its efforts have helped establish a “nuclear taboo”, striving to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.

As Israel’s war on Gaza marked the start of its second year last week, the Nobel Peace Prize nominations reflected the urgent humanitarian concerns tied to this crisis.

 At the top of the list is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), recognized for its tireless efforts in providing aid to Palestinian refugees.

Other notable contenders were the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Palestinian journalists and various Israeli human rights organizations were also nominated.

Additionally, a joint nomination from Spain, Norway, and Ireland acknowledged their recognition of Palestinian statehood.

While the Norwegian Nobel Institute keeps nominations confidential, many nominators share their choices.

Betting sites even allowed wagers on potential laureates, highlighting the high stakes involved in this year’s prize.