In a desperate plea for assistance, the now-deceased Hamas Khan Yunis Brigade Commander, Rafah Salame, wrote a heartfelt letter to Gaza Chief Yahya Sinwar in May, disclosing the dire state of his forces amidst escalating hostilities, as revealed by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday.

Salame's letter detailed the extent of the damage suffered by his brigade, highlighting that a staggering 90-95% of their rockets had been depleted, leaving them severely lacking in firepower. Adding to their woes, 65-70% of their anti-tank missiles had also been lost, further diminishing their capabilities on the battlefield.

Perhaps the most harrowing revelation was Salame's acknowledgment that at least 50% of his forces had been lost in the conflict, with only a mere 25% remaining to fight. Another 25% were either wounded or fleeing, leaving little hope for the already fragile brigade. Even amongst the remaining 25%, signs of disintegration and dwindling morale were beginning to emerge, further exacerbating the already dire situation.

In his plea for reinforcements, Salame turned to Sinwar and his brother Muhammad Sinwar for assistance. However, the much-needed help never materialized, as the Sinwar brothers themselves were constantly on the run, evading capture or potential harm. The letter, outlining the dire circumstances faced by the brigade, was discovered by the IDF in one of Hamas' headquarters.

Following an arduous tracking operation, the IDF launched an air strike near Khan Yunis on July 13, resulting in the elimination of both Salame and Hamas military chief Muhammad Deif. By this point, much of the Khan Yunis brigade had already been significantly weakened by the early days of February.

The demise of Salame and Deif not only dealt a heavy blow to the brigade but also showcased the relentless efforts of the IDF to dismantle the Hamas infrastructure. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Hamas as they struggle to maintain their stronghold amidst a determined Israeli military campaign.

As the conflict rages on, it remains to be seen how Hamas will navigate the loss of key commanders and continue to wage their fight against the Israeli forces. The fate of the Khan Yunis Brigade hangs in the balance, as the surviving members attempt to regroup amidst a backdrop of uncertainties and mounting pressure.