Lewis Hamilton visits Rafah crossing to see Egypt’s Gaza aid efforts

Ferrari driver and seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has visited the Rafah border crossing to observe how Egypt receives and prepares humanitarian aid destined for people in Gaza.

Hamilton arrived at El Arish International Airport, where he was met by Khaled Megawer, governor of North Sinai, before travelling to the crossing, according to Italian website Toto Sport.

His itinerary was also expected to include a visit to Egyptian Red Crescent warehouses in El Arish. Teams there organise and prepare relief shipments before they are transported to the Gaza Strip.

During his time at Rafah, Hamilton greeted humanitarian workers by saying “As-salamu alaykum”, shook hands with several of them and held brief conversations. A video released by the governor’s media office showed the British driver asking workers about the procedures involved in sending aid into Gaza.

The Egyptian government confirmed the visit in a statement, saying: “North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer accompanied Lewis Hamilton on a visit to the Rafah land crossing to learn about Egypt’s efforts to support Palestinians in Gaza.”

The visit comes as residents of Gaza face severe humanitarian conditions. Heavy rain across the territory during the current week destroyed tens of thousands of tents and led to the deaths of five people, including three children.

Hamilton’s previous comments

Hamilton has repeatedly used his social media accounts to comment on humanitarian crises and conflicts in the region. He has posted about children killed in air strikes on Gaza and called for a ceasefire.

His public statements have also addressed other conflicts, with the driver calling for support for affected populations and efforts to establish peace.

Three weeks ago, he said: “I think we need to work towards liberating Congo, Sudan, Syria and Palestine. And I really hope that, sooner or later, we can reach a state where peace prevails widely,” according to The Independent.

The visit attracted international attention, including coverage by Israeli media, which revisited Hamilton’s earlier comments. They also recalled his criticism of military operations in Gaza and his calls for a ceasefire, focusing on his political views without directly criticising the humanitarian purpose of his visit.

A report by Walla noted that Hamilton’s arrival coincided with intensified activity by the Egyptian Red Crescent, which sent its 308th aid convoy to the Gaza Strip yesterday.

According to figures published in Egypt, the convoy carried more than 2581 tonnes of supplies. These included about 1992 tonnes of flour and packaged food, more than 222 tonnes of relief equipment and about 367 tonnes of fuel products intended to operate bakeries, hospitals and essential facilities in Gaza.

Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram also reported that Hamilton discussed the issue during a news conference before the United States Grand Prix on 22 October. While discussing the possibility of Formula 1 returning to Africa, he called for continued efforts to “liberate Congo, liberate Sudan, liberate Syria and liberate Palestine”, while expressing hope that peace could be achieved in those countries.