Families of Israelis still held hostage in Gaza have called on the Norwegian Nobel Committee to award U.S. President Donald Trump the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, praising his ongoing efforts to secure the release of their loved ones and broker a permanent ceasefire in the region.
In a statement issued Monday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents most relatives of those still in captivity, confirmed that it had sent a formal letter to the committee ahead of Friday’s announcement of this year’s laureate.
The appeal comes as negotiators gather in Egypt to finalize the first phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which calls for the release of all 48 remaining hostages within 72 hours of implementation.
“At this very moment, President Trump’s comprehensive plan to release all remaining hostages and finally end this terrible war is on the table.
“For the first time in months, we are hopeful that our nightmare will finally be over. We are confident that he will not rest until the last hostage is brought home, the war has ended, and peace and prosperity are restored to the people of the Middle East.” The families wrote.
The group expressed deep gratitude to Trump for the hostages already released earlier this year under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal between January and March.
“From the moment of his inauguration, President Trump brought us light through our darkest times,” the statement continued.
“In this past year, no leader or organization has contributed more to peace around the world than President Trump. While many have spoken eloquently about peace, he has achieved it.”
The families urged the Nobel Committee to honor Trump’s “unwavering determination and compassion,” saying he “will not rest until every last hostage is home.”
Trump, who has frequently claimed he deserves the prestigious award, has been nominated several times since 2018 by various American and international figures.
In July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally nominated him for the 2026 Nobel Prize, citing his “decisive role” in ending the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict earlier this year.
While Netanyahu’s nomination will not count toward this year’s selection, analysts note that Trump’s recent diplomatic push, including direct talks with Israeli and Hamas negotiators in Egypt, could bolster his global standing ahead of Friday’s announcement.
The Nobel Peace Prize, widely considered the world’s most prestigious recognition of humanitarian and diplomatic achievement, will be awarded in Oslo on October 10.
Hostage families urge Nobel committee to award Trump peace prize