Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton Slams Israel Over Gaza Crisis After Emotional Rafah Visit: ‘No Excuse’
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has delivered a powerful message on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza after visiting the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, condemning the suffering of Palestinians and calling on Israel to allow essential aid supplies into the territory.
The Ferrari driver described the situation as “appalling” and urged Israel to meet its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, highlighting reports of food, medical equipment and other humanitarian supplies being delayed or rejected at the border.
Lewis Hamilton, 41, traveled to Egypt on November 10, visiting the Rafah crossing and Egyptian Red Crescent warehouses in El Arish. During the visit, he received briefings on how humanitarian assistance is prepared, stored and coordinated before being sent towards Gaza.
In a statement shared on Instagram on November 12, Hamilton said people should not become accustomed to the suffering of Palestinians or look away from the humanitarian emergency.
Lewis Hamilton Condemns Gaza Crisis After Rafah Border Visit
Hamilton said the scale of the crisis had left him deeply disturbed. He described the restrictions facing Palestinians as an injustice and called for people to be treated with dignity and respect.
“The past three years of Israel’s genocide in Gaza is appalling,” Hamilton wrote, adding that no human being should be treated as though their life matters less.
Israel strongly rejects accusations of genocide and maintains that its military campaign in Gaza is directed against Hamas militants.
The Formula One star also described seeing trucks loaded with food waiting near the Rafah crossing. According to Hamilton, some vehicles faced lengthy delays before being permitted to enter Gaza.
He said one truck driver told him he had already been waiting for more than 12 hours. Hamilton also raised concerns about supplies reportedly being rejected, including sleeping bags, first-aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs and footballs intended for children.
“Israel needs to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire and let the aid trucks in,” he wrote, adding that the world should not become accustomed to the suffering.
Hamilton Meets Palestinian Children Evacuated From Gaza
The Rafah visit was part of a wider humanitarian trip to Egypt, during which Hamilton also met Palestinian children evacuated from Gaza who were receiving assistance from the International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance (INARA).
The organization provides medical treatment, psychological support and education to children affected by conflict.
Lewis Hamilton described the meeting as heartbreaking, saying the children had experienced trauma, grief and serious injuries that no child should have to endure.
Some of the children were recovering from gunshot wounds and severe burns. Despite their experiences, Hamilton said he was struck by their resilience and their hopes for the future.
Several children told him they wanted to become doctors and teachers so they could help others, reflecting the support they had received during their recovery.
The Ferrari driver also visited schools, hospitals, a mental health clinic and families receiving assistance. He heard accounts of relatives being separated and the difficulties facing children forced to leave their homes.
Lewis Hamilton thanked Dr Hazem and the INARA team for their work providing medical care, education and psychological support.
He said Palestinian children deserved more than survival and should have the opportunity to grow up safely, remain with their families and pursue their ambitions.
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Lewis Hamilton Continues His Humanitarian Advocacy
Hamilton has repeatedly used his global platform to raise awareness of humanitarian issues. He has previously called for a ceasefire and shared messages highlighting the conflict’s impact on children.
His advocacy also extends beyond Gaza. Last month, he called attention to humanitarian crises in Congo, Sudan and Syria, expressing hope for peace and freedom for affected communities.
In 2021, Hamilton founded Mission 44, a charity focused on helping young people access education and employment opportunities.
The driver’s visit to Egypt comes as the Formula One season approaches its conclusion. Hamilton is competing for Ferrari and is fourth in the drivers’ championship standings, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix scheduled for November 21, followed by Qatar on November 29 and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6.
Away from the circuit, however, Hamilton’s message from Rafah has placed the humanitarian situation in Gaza firmly back in the spotlight.
