Hamas Praises Nobel Peace Prize Award to Jurist Investigating Gaza

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has welcomed the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to South African jurist Nawaz Pillay. Hamas stated that the prize from the Norwegian Nobel Committee recognizes Pillay's work in defending human rights and promoting international law, particularly in the Palestinian territories. The group also asserted that the award signifies international acknowledgment of "crimes committed by the occupation forces against the Palestinian people."

Hamas further commented that the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Pillay, regarding alleged crimes in Gaza confirm the severity of the suffering endured by the Palestinian people and necessitate significant international action. The organization urged the international community to assume its moral responsibility, end impunity, and bring perpetrators to justice.

In a separate statement, Hamas representative Basem Naim described the prize as a "message of hope" for Palestinians, especially those in Gaza. He suggested the decision indicates that humanity continues to resist forces aiming to undermine international justice. The article recalls that in September 2025, Pillay's commission accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, citing actions such as the use of starvation and inhumane living conditions as evidence of genocidal intent.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Norwegian Nobel Committee's decision, stating that Pillay would be a prime candidate for an award for lies and slander, accusing her of politically motivated demonization of Israel and promoting "genolaw." U.S. President Donald Trump also declared the Nobel Peace Prize "forever discredited" by the award, claiming it should have gone to the United States and himself, and that Pillay is known only for her "hatred of Israel."