Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has described the past three years of Israel's actions in Gaza as “genocide” after visiting the Rafah border crossing and nearby aid facilities this week. In a detailed social media post, the Ferrari driver called the situation appalling and urged Israel to fulfil its ceasefire obligations by letting aid trucks enter.
Hamilton's full statement
Hamilton wrote: "The past three years of Israel's genocide in Gaza is appalling. It's an injustice for people to being denied their freedom, their safety and their dignity. No human being should be treated as though their life matters less.
I saw walls stretching for miles, built to keep them in. Standing there, outside what felt like an open-air prison, all I could think about was getting in to help.
At Rafah border, I saw food trucks lined up ready to go, but they're regularly not allowed in or face major delays. The first driver in line that I spoke to had already been waiting over 12 hours. At the nearby logistics centre, I saw the hard work of the aid workers, but I also saw what gets rejected for crazy reasons. Sleeping bags, first aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs, even footballs for kids.
Israel needs to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire and let the aid trucks in. No excuse.
I know so many people feel that same helplessness. That same need to do something rather than just watch. I don't want us to get used to their suffering. I don't want us to look away."
Visit to Rafah and logistics centre
Hamilton arrived in El Arish on Tuesday. He toured the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian side and visited a nearby logistics centre. There he observed both the efforts of aid workers and the obstacles preventing supplies from reaching Gaza.
He specifically highlighted food trucks stuck at the border and listed everyday humanitarian items that were being rejected, including sleeping bags, first-aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs and footballs for children.
Call for action
Hamilton's central demand was direct: Israel must meet its ceasefire obligations and allow the aid trucks to enter without further obstruction. He framed the issue as both a moral failure and a practical one, stressing that the world must not become desensitised to the suffering.
The post, accompanied by images of loaded trucks and border infrastructure, quickly gained wide attention. Hamilton has previously spoken about the conflict and called for peace in the region.
Hamilton's statement places the focus firmly on the human impact he witnessed and the urgent need for unimpeded aid delivery.