Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revealed a document allegedly authored by Rafa Salama, the commander of Hamas’s Khan Yunis Brigade in southern Gaza. Gallant claimed that the letter was addressed to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his brother Muhammad to indicate the supposed collapse of Hamas. However, Misbar's team investigated the letter and found it to be misleading.
Israeli Defense Minister Claimed that Hamas Collapsed in “Revealed Document”
In a video uploaded on his X account on September 11, Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant revealed a document he claimed was authored by Rafa Salama, the commander of Hamas’s Khan Yunis Brigade in southern Gaza.
Gallant alleged that the letter considers “the most sensitive databases for Hamas have been collected since the beginning of the war.” He alleged that the letter reveals the collapse of Hamas, citing claims that “70% of weapons were destroyed, 95% of rockets were depleted, and 50% of militants were either killed or wounded.”
Gallant stated in the video’s caption, “Hamas is in real distress… we will continue the effort and reach everyone” as part of the ongoing genocidal campaign against Gaza civilians.
Misbar's investigative team found English translations of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s Hebrew language video from Israeli sources. In the video, Gallant claimed that the letter indicates the collapse of Hamas in Gaza amid the ongoing war with Israel.
In the video, Gallant stated that the letter reveals that 70% of Hamas's weapons and 95% of their rockets have been destroyed. He also claimed that 50% of Hamas fighters have either been killed or wounded, with many fleeing, leaving only 20% of their original strength. Gallant noted that this situation is causing significant distress among Hamas’s senior commanders.
Furthermore, he pointed out that Rafa Salama, the alleged author of the letter, was seeking help from the Sinwar brothers but asserted that they are unable to assist due to ongoing Israeli military operations that began in October. Gallant emphasized that these operations are systematically targeting senior Hamas members, suggesting that the Sinwar brothers will eventually be reached as well.
He further stated that Hamas is struggling to maintain its remaining equipment and weaponry, indicating that 90-95% of its rocket capabilities have been lost, along with 60% of personal weapons and 65-70% of anti-tank ammunition, launchers, and rockets. He further added that the letter reportedly reflects a sense of despair, with the remaining fighters described as mentally or physically broken and the community unable to continue supporting them.
Hebrew media outlets also reported Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's claims regarding the contents of the "revealed letter."
Misbar Investigates Israel’s Gallant Claim of “Revealed Letter”
Misbar's investigative team conducted a detailed analysis of the document— if it was real— that Gallant was displaying during the video.
Upon close examination of the letter, Misbar found that the actual content of the letter, written in Arabic, does not contain any information regarding Hamas's military capabilities. However, it focuses on internal discussions related to a prisoner exchange deal.
Misbar investigated the original Arabic version, if true, of the letter and found no indications of Hamas's military losses. The letter congratulates the leadership on a recent operation that resulted in the deaths of four enemy soldiers and injuries to ten others.
It outlines discussions regarding a prisoner exchange proposal, specifically addressing the number of prisoners to be released in the first phase, which is set at 33. The letter suggests that if the required number cannot be met with living prisoners, it can be supplemented with bodies of individuals from the same categories of women, children, elderly, and female soldiers.
Moreover, the letter details improved exchange terms: the number of exchanges for women and children has increased to 30 individuals for each person in those categories, and for elderly prisoners, the exchange rate has also been raised to 30 for each individual. For female soldiers, the rate has risen to 50 for each soldier, with a portion of those being individuals serving life sentences or high sentences. The letter concludes that these new terms reflect a significant advancement in the negotiation process.
Misbar’s team also found an English translation of the Arabic document that accurately outlines the genuine instructions contained in the version uploaded to X.
Misbar's investigative team concludes that the document does not indicate any collapse of Hamas's military infrastructure or distress within its leadership, emphasized by Gallant during his presentation. However, it focuses on strategic negotiations related to prisoner exchanges.
ICC Arrest Warrants Against Israel's Netanyahu, Gallant
On May 20, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced his request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza.
In September 2024, Khan reiterated his call for the Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court to issue these warrants urgently. In his submission, Khan highlighted the need for the warrants due to ongoing criminal activities and the deteriorating situation in Palestine.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has reportedly attempted to initiate a “fake” investigation against himself and Gallant to avoid the arrest warrants sought by the ICC. However, the attorney general dismissed this request as a “blatant ploy” that would not deceive the ICC.
Israel Claims Hamas Commander Salama Killed in Airstrike
On July 13, the Israeli military conducted an extensive assault on the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone, resulting in the deaths of 90 Palestinians and injuries to over 300, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Israel claimed the attack was aimed at Mohammed Deif, the leader of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and senior Hamas commander Rafa Salama. However, Hamas has denied these claims.
In a previous blog by Misbar, it was highlighted that Israel has evaded accountability for civilian casualties in Al-Mawasi by claiming that its actions targeted Hamas leaders.
Israel's military aggressively continues to strike Gaza, resulting in the deaths of several Palestinians. Since October 7, at least 41,182 individuals have been killed, and 95,280 have been injured in the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
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Israel Evades Accountability for Killing Civilian in Al-Mawasi
