The Nobel Peace Prize has often honored efforts to end conflict, but not without sparking controversy. Critics argue that some recipients have contradicted the prize’s ideals through war, oppression, or human rights abuses.
In July 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave Donald Trump a letter nominating him for the prize, praising his role in Middle East peace efforts, even as the death toll of Israel’s war in Gaza surpassed 60,000. This nomination adds another chapter to the complex and polarizing legacy of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Click on to explore some of the most contentious winners and the debates surrounding them.