During a visit to the IDF’s Document and Technical Collection Unit (AMASHT) located at intelligence bases in central Israel, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revealed a document written by Rafa’a Salama, the deputy of Mohammed Deif and the Khan Yunis Brigade commander, who was killed by the IDF. The letter was sent to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammed Sinwar.
“I want to show you here from the IDF intelligence base, a letter reflecting what senior Hamas members are saying about their situation. This is a letter written by Rafa’a Salama, whom we eliminated in July, addressed to the Sinwar brothers. He describes the situation – 70% of their weapons were destroyed, 95% of their rockets were destroyed, 50% of the terrorists were killed or wounded, and many fled, leaving only 25% of their forces remaining. This is a real crisis that is affecting Hamas and its senior commanders,” Gallant said.
He added, “He is crying out for help from the Sinwar brothers, but they, of course, cannot save him. Why? Because we continue the effort that began in October, step by step, reaching every senior Hamas leader. This is what he wrote to the Sinwar brothers, and we will reach them as well.”
In the translated letter from Salama to the Sinwar brothers, which was released by the Defense Minister’s office, it says: “Dear and beloved Sinwar brothers, please take the following into consideration: We are preserving the remaining equipment and weapons, as we have lost 90-95% of our rocket capabilities; we have lost 60% of our personal weapons; we have lost at least 65-70% of our anti-tank armaments, launchers, and rockets. Most importantly, we have lost at least 50% of our holy fighters, either as martyrs or wounded, leaving now only 25%.”
Salama continued: “The last 25%, our people no longer tolerate them, they are mentally or physically broken. We pray to Allah to guide us on the right path. Your brother, Abu Mohammed (Rafa’a Salama).”
Salama, who was the Khan Yunis Brigade commander and Mohammed Deif’s right-hand man, was responsible for planning and executing numerous attacks, including the kidnapping and captivity of Gilad Shalit. He was killed about two months ago alongside his commander Deif in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis, near the Mawasi refugee camp, where the terrorists were hiding among the civilian population. With his elimination, Salama joined a dubious list of Hamas commanders killed since the beginning of the war, including Ayman Nofal, who was the central camp brigade commander, and Ahmad Randour, who was the northern brigade commander.
