Hamas Condemns Killings at Egypt Sit-In

The Hamas militant group ruling the Gaza Strip has condemned the killing of at least 40 Egyptians at a Cairo sit-in.

Hamas said Monday that it "voices extreme pain and grief" for the victims' death. It sent condolences to the victims' families.

The Palestinian Islamist group is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, the movement of toppled Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Egyptian soldiers and police opened fire on supporters of the ousted president early Monday in violence that left at least 40 people killed, including one officer.

Gaza borders Egypt and Hamas had made important gains with Morsi in power. With his ouster, it is likely to suffer setbacks. Since Morsi was deposed last week, Egypt has shut a key land crossing for Gaza indefinitely, citing security concerns.

[Associated Press]