Photo: gloucester2gaza, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Formula One Star Visits Border and Aid Facilities
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has visited the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip to meet with humanitarian organizations providing aid to the region. During the visit, Hamilton also toured logistics warehouses managed by the Egyptian Red Crescent, which helps facilitate the entry of supplies into Gaza.
At the border, Hamilton met with staff and officials, greeting aid workers with the Arabic greeting "Assalamu alaikum." According to North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer, the visit was organized to help Hamilton observe Egypt's ongoing efforts to deliver assistance to Gaza.
Humanitarian Stance and Regional Context
Hamilton has previously spoken out regarding regional conflicts and humanitarian issues. He has frequently used social media to advocate for a ceasefire and draw attention to casualties caused by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. In October, Hamilton emphasized his hope for peace, stating the need to support peace efforts across Congo, Sudan, Syria, and Palestine.
The visit comes amid ongoing humanitarian challenges in Gaza. Although a ceasefire agreement reached last year halted major combat operations, the volume of aid entering the territory remains far below the agreed-upon minimum of 600 trucks per day. An independent commission of United Nations experts reported last month that Israeli forces expanded their control to at least 60 percent of the territory. The commission also noted that ongoing airstrikes and gunfire along the front have killed at least 196 Palestinians, including 18 women, 32 boys, and 11 girls.
Milestone in Racing Career
Hamilton's trip to Egypt followed a major milestone in his motorsport career. On Sunday, he completed his 400th race start at the São Paulo Grand Prix held at Interlagos.
- Hamilton debuted in Formula One with McLaren in 2007 as the sport's first Black driver.
- He is only the second driver in Formula One history to achieve 400 race starts, following his former teammate Fernando Alonso, who reached the milestone in 2024.
Source: Lewis Hamilton visits Egypt’s Rafah crossing and Gaza aid facilities