Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has strongly condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as genocide and calling for the immediate removal of restrictions on humanitarian assistance following a visit to the Rafah border crossing in Egypt.
“The past three years of Israel’s genocide in Gaza is appalling,” the British racing driver wrote on Instagram, accusing Israel of depriving Palestinians of their freedom, safety and dignity.
“No human being should be treated as though their life matters less,” he added.
Hamilton, who races for Ferrari, visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing on Tuesday and toured Egyptian Red Crescent humanitarian aid warehouses in El Arish.
During the visit, he was briefed on preparations for aid deliveries to Gaza and the coordination required to transport essential supplies into the Palestinian territory.
Describing his experience at the crossing, Hamilton said he witnessed extensive barriers separating Gaza from Egypt and compared the conditions facing Palestinians to imprisonment.
“Standing there, outside what felt like an open-air prison, all I could think about was getting in to help,” he wrote.
The Formula One champion said numerous trucks carrying food and other humanitarian supplies were waiting to enter Gaza but were frequently delayed or prevented from crossing.
“The first driver in line that I spoke to had already been waiting over 12 hours,” Hamilton said.
At a nearby humanitarian logistics centre, Hamilton praised aid workers for their efforts to assist Palestinians despite the difficulties they faced.
However, he expressed frustration over restrictions on essential supplies, claiming that humanitarian items were being rejected for what he described as “crazy reasons.”
According to Hamilton, the rejected goods included sleeping bags, first-aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs and footballs intended for children.
He urged Israel to comply with its responsibilities under the ceasefire arrangements and facilitate the movement of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
“Israel needs to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire and let the aid trucks in. No excuse,” he said.
Hamilton also appealed to the international community not to become indifferent to the humanitarian crisis, encouraging people to transform their concern into meaningful action.
“I know so many people feel that same helplessness. That same need to do something rather than just watch,” he wrote.
The British driver concluded his message by urging continued attention to the suffering of Palestinians.
“I don’t want us to get used to their suffering. I don’t want us to look away,” he said.