Lewis Hamilton, a Ferrari driver, has publicly accused Israel of genocide in Gaza following his visit to the Rafah border crossing on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion described the situation as an “open-air prison” after observing humanitarian aid operations.
Hamilton’s visit to the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing was undertaken to oversee humanitarian aid efforts for the people of Palestine. He arrived at Al-Arish International Airport in North Sinai, where he was met by Egyptian officials.
During his time there, Hamilton held discussions with North Sinai Governor Maj. Khaled Megawer. He also toured the Egyptian Red Crescent’s facilities and logistics warehouses in Al-Arish.
The British driver observed personnel preparing aid boxes and was briefed on the coordination of humanitarian assistance. He noted that aid trucks were regularly delayed or denied entry into Gaza.
Hamilton shared his observations on social media, calling the situation “appalling.” He stated that the people of Palestine are being denied their freedom, safety, and dignity.
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.
He recounted seeing walls stretching for miles, built to restrict movement, and food trucks lined up at the Rafah border facing significant delays or rejections.
Hamilton spoke with a driver who had been waiting over 12 hours. He also witnessed items such as sleeping bags, first aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs, and even footballs for children being rejected for what he termed “crazy reasons.”
The Ferrari driver urged Israel to fulfill its ceasefire obligations and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza without excuses. He expressed a sense of helplessness, feeling that insufficient action was being taken for the affected population.
Hamilton’s visit occurred two days after he made his 400th race start at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He is the second driver in Formula 1 history to reach this milestone.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains severe following the Israeli military offensive that began in October 2023. Over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 175,000 injured since that time.
A ceasefire agreement, in effect since October 10, 2025, has been repeatedly violated and has not adequately addressed the massive humanitarian needs. Gaza faces extensive shelter challenges, with 1.7 million people residing in 1,600 displacement sites.
More than 370,000 housing units have been destroyed or damaged, forcing families to endure a fourth winter in tents and makeshift shelters. Heavy rains from November 6, 2026, caused widespread flooding, affecting approximately 70,000 tents.
Reports indicate an infant drowned and several individuals died when a sand dune collapsed on their tents. Humanitarian stocks of essential items like tents, tarpaulins, blankets, and clothes are nearly depleted inside Gaza.
Despite this, over 150,000 tents, including 117,000 from the Egyptian Relief Committee in Al-Arish, are awaiting dispatch outside Gaza. Israel continues to prohibit the entry of mobile homes, which aid organizations consider crucial for displaced residents.
The UN relief chief, Tom Fletcher, has called for the immediate opening of all crossings into Gaza. He stated that delays are not an acceptable excuse under international humanitarian law.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported “delay after delay” in humanitarian aid reaching Gaza through Israel. Medical supplies, in particular, face a median wait of 74 days for clearance.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s office has countered criticism by stating that over 91,000 tents and 8,200 trucks of winter supplies have been permitted into Gaza. The office attributes reconstruction delays to Hamas’s refusal to disarm.
The Board of Peace, a US-backed body, has deemed Israel’s response to Gaza’s winter emergency “insufficient.” It has demanded the immediate entry of essential equipment for shelter, sanitation, and drainage.
Hamilton has a history of advocating for humanitarian causes, previously speaking in favour of “free Palestine,” “free Congo,” “free Sudan,” and “free Syria.”
Since 2023, the FIA’s International Sporting Code requires Formula 1 drivers to obtain prior written permission for political, religious, or personal statements during official events.
Drivers are permitted to express their views in their own space, such as social media or during interviews. However, this is restricted to direct questions during FIA press conferences.
Statements are explicitly prohibited during track activities, pre- or post-race procedures, and podium ceremonies.
