F1 champion Lewis Hamilton calls on Israel to open Gaza’s Rafah border
Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has urged Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, as conditions worsen after heavy rains flooded makeshift camps.
The British racing driver made his remarks on Wednesday, a day after visiting el-Arish in Egypt, where he toured a storage facility prepared by the Egyptian Red Crescent. Hamilton posted on social media that Palestinians are in urgent need of the aid supplies that remain stuck at the border.
Aid supplies blocked
Hamilton highlighted warehouses with essential supplies in several locations, but emphasized they are not reaching Palestinians due to the border closure. His Instagram post showed him meeting volunteers and stationary trucks loaded with food waiting to cross into Gaza.
People in Gaza and Palestine are in such urgent need that they could hardly need this aid more than they do right now. That's why we really need to put pressure on Israel and work together to make sure this aid reaches them.
International response
Hamilton condemned what he called Israel's "genocide in Gaza," stating it's an injustice for people to be denied their freedom, safety and dignity. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected accusations of delaying aid entry. The UN reported over 150,000 tents waiting for Israeli permission to enter Gaza.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher stated that waiting for a new Israeli government to form is "not an acceptable excuse" for delays in delivering essential winter supplies to Palestinians in need.
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