Nov 11 (Reuters) – Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton said on Wednesday that Israel must allow aid trucks into Gaza, a day after he visited the Rafah border crossing in Egypt.
Hamilton, a seven‑times world champion, arrived in El Arish on Tuesday, where he was briefed on how aid is prepared and coordinated before being sent into Gaza. He toured the Rafah crossing and the Egyptian Red Crescent’s aid warehouses.
He posted on Instagram: “The past three years of Israel’s actions in Gaza are appalling. It is an injustice for people to be denied their freedom, safety and dignity. No human being should be treated as though their life matters less.”
Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide and says its military campaign in Gaza targets Hamas militants.
Hamilton described seeing food trucks lined up and ready at the border that were regularly held up or faced major delays.
He said that at a nearby logistics centre, items had been rejected for “crazy reasons”, including sleeping bags, first‑aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs and footballs for children.
He added, “Israel needs to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire and let the aid trucks in. No excuse. I don’t want us to get used to their suffering. I don’t want us to look away.”
Hamilton, 41, is an advocate for humanitarian causes. In 2021 he founded Mission 44, a charity that supports young people and works to improve their access to education and employment.
He is currently fourth in the drivers’ championship. Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli leads the standings with three races remaining.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Sonali Paul)