Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Saturday described Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip as a "coup" and warned that the Islamic movement's conflict with Fatah movement could lead to the creation of two Palestinian entities. According to the AP, Mubarak reassured the Fatah leader, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, of Egypt's support.
"We have been following closely the repercussions of the coup over Palestinian legitimacy in Gaza and its grave setbacks on the Palestinian people," Mubarak said.
"We feel sad for the shedding of the blood of Palestinians by Palestinian hands, in a fighting that has crossed all red lines ... leading up to division of its occupied territories," Mubarak added.
Mubarak also blamed Israel's occupation for the stalled Mideast peace process.
Mubarak spoke to lawmakers from his party on the eve of the inauguration Sunday of the Shura Council, the upper house of parliament.
