Hamas has yet to pass a letter from kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit to the Shalit family, despite Hamas head Khaled Mashaal’s promise in April to former United States President Jimmy Carter that the group would provide a letter from Shalit as a “gesture” to his family. Hamas has sent the Shalit family two letters and a recorded message from Gilad Shalit since the young soldier was first kidnapped in mid-2006.

Some Israeli intelligence officials say that Mashaal and other Hamas leaders in Damascus may have limited influence over Hamas leaders in Gaza, including those holding Shalit hostage. Mashaal may be unable to fulfill his promise to Carter, they said this week.