Lewis Hamilton says Gaza suffering must not become ‘normal’ after Rafah visit

Lewis Hamilton has described the situation in Gaza as a “genocide” and called for Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the territory, after visiting the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing.

The Ferrari driver travelled to Egypt on Tuesday, 10 November, arriving in the city of El Arish in North Sinai, where he was received by the governor, Major General Khaled Megawer.

Hamilton then visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing to observe efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza. His tour included warehouses operated by the Egyptian Red Crescent and logistical facilities where aid is received, prepared and coordinated before being sent to the territory.

He also met workers and volunteers involved in the relief operation.

The seven-time world champion later travelled to Cairo, where he visited an educational centre run by the International Network for Relief and Assistance. There he met Palestinian children evacuated from Gaza, who are receiving educational support after being forced to leave their homes because of the war.

Hamilton, one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers, shared a lengthy statement on his official Instagram account, which has more than 44 million followers. He outlined what he had seen around Rafah and described the obstacles facing humanitarian deliveries.

“The genocide Israel has been carrying out in Gaza over the past three years is heartbreaking,” Hamilton wrote. “It is unjust that people should be deprived of their freedom, security and dignity. No human being should be treated as though their life is worth less than anyone else’s.

“I saw walls stretching for miles, built to keep them trapped inside. As I stood there, outside what appeared to be an open-air prison, all I could think about was how to get in there to help.”

He said trucks carrying food were waiting at the border but were often prevented from entering or subjected to lengthy delays.

“At the Rafah border crossing, I saw trucks loaded with food lined up and ready to cross, but they are often denied entry or face significant delays,” Hamilton added. “The first driver in the queue, whom I spoke to, had already been waiting for more than 12 hours.”

At a nearby logistics centre, he said he had witnessed the efforts of aid workers, as well as items being rejected for what he called “absurd reasons”.

“Sleeping bags, first-aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs and even footballs for children,” he said.

Hamilton said Israel must meet its obligations under the ceasefire agreement and allow aid trucks to enter Gaza. “No excuses,” he wrote.

He added: “I know many people feel that same sense of helplessness and the same need to do something rather than simply watch. I do not want us to become used to these people’s suffering, and I do not want us to look away from what is happening to them.”

Hamilton later edited the post to add: “‘The genocide Israel is carrying out in Gaza.’ It is as simple as that: saying the truth as it is.”

The message received more than 3.8 million likes and thousands of comments praising his decision to use his global platform to highlight the suffering of Palestinians.