Let Aid Trucks Enter Gaza: Hamilton Urges Israel
Formula One star driver Mr. Lewis Hamilton said on Wednesday that Israel must allow aid trucks to enter Gaza.
A day earlier, he visited the Rafah border crossing in Egypt.
The seven-time world champion arrived in El Arish on Tuesday, where he was briefed on how relief supplies are prepared and coordinated before being sent to Gaza. He also visited the Rafah border crossing and an aid warehouse operated by the Egyptian Red Crescent.
In an Instagram post, Mr. Hamilton wrote, “Israel’s genocide in Gaza over the past three years has been horrific and heartbreaking. Stripping people of their freedom, security and dignity is a grave injustice. No human life should be considered less important than another.”
Israel has strongly denied allegations of genocide. It maintains that its military operations in Gaza are directed at Hamas fighters.
Mr. Hamilton said he had seen long queues of trucks carrying food at the border, waiting to enter Gaza. However, they are regularly blocked or face significant delays.
He also said that items including sleeping bags, first-aid supplies, medical equipment, wheelchairs and children’s footballs had been rejected for “the most bizarre reasons” at a nearby logistics centre.
“Israel must fulfil its responsibilities under the ceasefire agreement and allow aid trucks to enter. There can be no excuse for this. I don’t want us to become accustomed to their suffering. I don’t want us to turn away,” Mr. Hamilton said.
The 41-year-old driver has long been an outspoken advocate of humanitarian causes. In 2021, he founded a charitable organisation called Mission 44, which works to expand educational and employment opportunities for young people.
Mr. Hamilton currently stands fourth in the drivers’ championship standings. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli has secured the title with three races remaining in the season.
