Lewis Hamilton Faces Backlash for Gaza Comments and Rafah Crossing Visit

Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has sparked controversy following a visit to the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing and subsequent strong criticism of Israel on his Instagram account, which boasts over 44 million followers. The British driver, who toured the area on Tuesday and met with Egyptian Red Crescent personnel, accused Israel of "genocide" and of preventing humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip.

However, Hamilton's post drew sharp criticism, including from hostage survivor Leah Albag and pro-Israel social media users. Albag, released in January 2025 after 477 days in Hamas captivity, questioned Hamilton's decision not to enter Gaza itself, noting the presence of many aid trucks waiting to enter. "It's easy to talk from the sidelines," she stated.

American tweeter Ian Miller also harshly attacked Hamilton, pointing out that the visit took place on the Egyptian side, not within Gaza. Miller criticized Hamilton's "self-righteous" post about the border walls surrounding Gaza, calling it a "special combination of incompetence, hypocrisy, and willful ignorance."

Hamilton had described seeing "walls stretching for miles" and felt like he was "outside of what felt like an open-air prison," expressing a desire to "go in and help." However, he was on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, accompanied by the Governor of North Sinai, Khaled Megaouar, and visited aid warehouses in El-Arish.

The controversy ignited after Hamilton posted, "The last three years of genocide Israel has committed in Gaza are horrific. It is wrong to deny people their freedom, security, and dignity. No person should be treated as if their life is worth less." He further stated that he saw food trucks at Rafah waiting to enter but often not allowed or facing long delays, demanding Israel allow aid trucks in "without excuses."

Kim Kardashian, reportedly close to Hamilton, also liked his post and faced social media criticism, with some users targeting her relationship with Hamilton and her brand SKIMS' reported business activities in Israel.