Mubarak denounces Israel

Mubarak's speech reflects the mood among Arabs

By the BBC's David Bamford Cairo correspondent

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has made a televised speech bitterly condemning Israel and accusing it of using state terrorism to crush the Palestinians.

The speech marks the 20th anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from the Egyptian Sinai under the terms of the 1979 peace treaty.

Mubarak's tone contrasted with that of earlier statements

Mr Mubarak's denunciation of Israel contrasts with his earlier diplomatic tone while American peace efforts were under way.

His condemnation was coloured by the strongest words he has used to describe the Israeli authorities since Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon began his military offensive against the Palestinians in March.

He accused Israel of going beyond all limits and using state terrorism to commit appalling violations of human rights against Palestinian civilians.

Mr Mubarak said that following their barbaric and systematic aggression, the Israelis were in the process of destroying evidence of the horrendous crimes perpetrated under the pretext of fighting terrorism.

US 'failures'

He also pointed to what he described as certain international powers for failing to live up to their responsibilities.

While not naming the powers concerned there is no doubt that Mr Mubarak is putting the Bush administration high on that list.

The Americans are likely to be dismayed that Mr Mubarak, one of their staunchest Middle East allies, has taken off the diplomatic gloves in his characterisation of developments in the region.

His view reflects the mood throughout the Arab world that Mr Sharon is in the process of crushing all hope of Palestinian independence and the Americans can no longer be relied upon to restrain him.