Lewis Hamilton calls on Israel to 'let aid trucks' in to Gaza, fulfill ceasefire obligations

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has called on Israel to "fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire and let the aid trucks in" to Gaza.

Hamilton, 41, was visiting El Arish, a northern city in Egypt that borders Gaza on Nov. 10 to see first-hand efforts obtaining aid headed for the Gaza Strip.

Al Jazeera reported that he was welcomed by North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer and shown aid warehouses.

'Injustice' to be denied freedom

Hamilton later said in a Nov. 12 Facebook post that 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," he said.

"No human being should be treated as though their life matters less."

Israel has strongly denied genocide accusations, arguing that its military operation in Gaza was out of self-defence and to target Hamas militants, Reuters previously reported.

Hamilton added that he saw "walls stretching for miles, built to keep them in".

Noting that he stood outside what felt like an open-air prison, he said all he 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," said Hamilton.

He said that the first driver in line had supposedly been waiting for over 12 hours.

'No excuse'

"At the nearby logistics centre, I saw the hard work of the aid workers, but I also saw what gets rejected for crazy reasons," he added.

Hamilton noted that the items rejected apparently included sleeping bags, first aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs, and even footballs for children.

He said: "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."

A known advocate for humanitarian causes, Hamilton had previously founded Mission 44 in 2021, Al Jazeera reported.

The charity organisation supports young people's access to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

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