Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has called on Israel to permit humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza following his visit to the Rafah border crossing on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Hamilton witnessed significant delays and the rejection of essential supplies destined for the Palestinian enclave.
The seven-time world champion toured the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing and visited Egyptian Red Crescent aid warehouses in El Arish. He was briefed on the processes for preparing and coordinating humanitarian deliveries.
Hamilton reported seeing food trucks queued at the border, with one driver having waited over 12 hours. He also observed items such as sleeping bags, first-aid kits, medical equipment, wheelchairs, and footballs for children being rejected for what he termed “crazy reasons.”
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, November 11, Hamilton stated, “The past three years of Israel’s genocide in Gaza is appalling.” He added, “Israel needs to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire and let the aid trucks in. No excuse.”
“Standing there, outside what felt like an open-air prison, all I could think about was getting in to help.”
The US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, established in October 2025, remains in effect. However, Israeli strikes on Gaza have continued.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) indicates that two-thirds of Gaza’s population face food insecurity. The WFP has been compelled to reduce food assistance due to funding shortfalls.
This reduction affects approximately half a million people monthly. Rations have been halved, cash assistance decreased, and daily hot meals reduced from 250,000 to 150,000.
The WFP requires $450 million to sustain critical operations in Gaza and the West Bank through March 2027. Aid reaching the territory consistently falls below the agreed minimum of 600 trucks per day.
Israeli forces have expanded their control to at least 60% of Gaza, up from 53%. Airstrikes have resulted in at least 196 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire.
Over 74,600 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 176,000 wounded since October 2023. Israel denies accusations of genocide, stating its military campaign targets Hamas militants.
The humanitarian situation is exacerbated by winter conditions. Recent heavy rain and flooding affected approximately 70,000 tents, forcing families to evacuate.
More than 500,000 children in Gaza are facing their fourth winter in inadequate shelters. Israeli restrictions continue to impede the entry of essential materials for shelter, fuel, and winter clothing.
The UN reports over 150,000 tents and 300,000 tarpaulins are currently outside Gaza, blocked by Israeli authorities. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has demanded immediate aid resumption.
Fletcher stated, “No more delay. Open all the crossings, not just one.” Fifty-three countries at the UN have urged the incoming Israeli government to facilitate winter aid access.
The UK has pledged an additional £5 million to UNICEF for winter response efforts. This funding aims to provide winter clothing for 100,000 children, tarpaulins for 62,500 people, and blankets for 150,000 people.
Hamilton, 41, made his visit after competing in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last weekend, where he finished ninth. He will next compete for Ferrari at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Practice 1 scheduled for Friday, November 20.
Hamilton joined Ferrari for the 2026 season, partnering with Charles Leclerc. Antonio Giovinazzi serves as the team’s reserve driver.
In 2021, Hamilton established Mission 44, a charitable foundation. The charity focuses on supporting young people and improving access to education and employment opportunities.
Mission 44 aims to reach five million young people by 2031. It has invested tens of millions through partner organisations to achieve its objectives.
