Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton visited the El Arish city in Egypt's northern Sinai region on Tuesday, bordering the Gaza Strip, to observe humanitarian aid efforts coordinated through the Rafah crossing. The British driver was welcomed by North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer who showcased Egyptian Red Crescent aid warehouses and briefed Hamilton on how relief supplies are distributed. Hamilton interacted with aid workers and inquired about their entry frequency into Gaza.
The visit comes amidst heavy rain and floods that have overwhelmed Gaza this week, resulting in the death of at least five people, including four children. Thousands have been displaced, and sand embankments have collapsed on a displacement camp south of Deir el-Balah. The Gaza Civil Defence logged over 2,100 distress calls by Monday, with more than 2,000 buildings at risk of collapsing.
Israeli air strikes have persisted across the enclave, causing eight deaths on Tuesday, including a father and his 13-year-old son in the Gaza Strip, according to local health sources. Recent cuts to aid and food assistance have worsened the situation, as people in Gaza struggle for resources.
Lewis Hamilton, known for his advocacy for humanitarian and charitable causes, founded Mission 44, a charity organization aimed at supporting young people's access to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in 2021. He was ranked number five on the Sunday Times Giving List in 2022, having reportedly donated approximately $26 million recently.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned in March that repeated delays in bringing life-saving medicines, prosthetics, and other supplies into Gaza can have "devastating consequences" for Palestinians who urgently need them.