Hamilton urges Israel to 'let the aid trucks in' to Gaza after Rafah border visit

Lewis Hamilton visited the Rafah border on Tuesday to witness efforts to transport aid into Gaza; Ferrari driver published Instagram post on Wednesday calling on Israel to "fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire"

Lewis Hamilton urged Israel to "let the aid trucks in" to Gaza after visiting the Rafah border.

Hamilton was in Egypt on Tuesday to witness efforts to deliver humanitarian and relief aid bound for Gaza. The Ferrari driver also toured the Rafah border crossing and visited the Egyptian Red Crescent's aid warehouses.

The US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in place but has not ended Israeli strikes on Gaza, while the UN World Food Programme says two-thirds of Gaza's population are struggling to get enough to eat.

Hamilton - who has previously called for peace in the region - said aid was being denied entry into Gaza for "crazy reasons".

The seven-time world champion posted on Instagram: "The past three years of Israel's genocide in Gaza is appalling.

"It's an injustice for people to be 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."

On Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, denied Israel was delaying the entry of supplies into Gaza, and blamed Hamas for the worsening conditions in Gaza, accusing them of a refusal to disarm and seizing aid for military use.

In 2021, Hamilton founded Mission 44, a charity aimed at supporting young people and improving ⁠access to education and employment ​opportunities.

He has also backed ​humanitarian and relief initiatives, and ​efforts to support people affected by ⁠conflict.

Hamilton made his visit after competing in the Sao Paulo GP last weekend, where he finished ninth. He will next compete for Ferrari in the Las Vegas GP, with Practice 1 on Friday November 20.