Mubarak: We'll open Gaza crossing only if PA takes control

Egypt has drawn a line in the sand. They will only extend a hand to help Palestinians, if they get rid of Hamas. 

That's pretty much the same demand Israel is making. 

From Haaretz:

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said Tuesday that his government will not fully open its crossing into the Gaza Strip unless Mahmoud Abbas' Palestinian Authority is in control of the border post. 

The speech Tuesday from Mubarak came despite criticism of Egypt in the Arab world over its refusal over the past year to open the Rafah crossing, which has helped complete an Israeli blockade of the territory. 

Since Israel's offensive in Gaza began Saturday, Egypt has allowed some wounded to cross from Gaza for treatment and some humanitarian supplies to enter the territory. 

But Egypt resists dealing with the Islamic militant Hamas because it opposes the militant group's 2007 takeover of the Gaza Strip and insists Abbas is the legitimate Palestinian leader. 

When Sharon gave Gaza to the Palestinians he set up a situation where the Palestinians would then be forced to govern themselves. They chose Hamas as their government.

In doing so, they have made enemies of former allies. The Palestinians are now marginalized and delegitimized like never before.

And, you can thank Sharon for this, because it was his strategy that got us here.