Who killed Ariel and Kfir Bibas? – Here's everything we know

The Mujahideen Brigades, also known as the Al-Mujahideen Brigades, has been identified as the group responsible for the murders of Shiri Bibas and her young sons, Ariel and Kfir. This revelation puts a spotlight on one of the region's most enigmatic militant organizations, a group that has historically operated in the shadows of more prominent Palestinian factions.

The group's origins trace back to a split from Fatah, the dominant faction within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) historically led by Yasser Arafat. While Fatah maintained its secular nationalist character, the Mujahideen Brigades evolved into a more radical, armed offshoot that adopted an Islamist orientation. Their name, meaning "holy warriors," signals this ideological shift, though experts note they haven't aligned themselves with global jihadist networks like Al-Qaeda or ISIS.

Recent intelligence reports have provided new details about the organization's current operations. The group's fighters are distinctively identified by their white headbands, setting them apart from other militant factions such as the Mirage unit of the Al-Quds Brigades (PIJ's military wing), who wear grey or silver headbands.

The Mujahideen Brigades occupy a unique position in the Palestinian militant landscape. Unlike the "big three" - Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades - they maintain a lower profile while potentially serving as a strategic asset for Fatah. Security analysts suggest they may function as a covert unit, allowing for military cooperation with Hamas without directly implicating the Palestinian Authority, which Fatah controls.

Their operational history has primarily focused on armed resistance against Israel in both the Gaza Strip and Judea and Samaria, including rocket launches and ambushes on military targets. However, their alleged role in the Bibas family murders represents a significant escalation from their typical military-focused operations.

The group's relationship with other Palestinian factions is notably complex. While they collaborate tactically with Hamas and PIJ, both openly Islamist organizations, this cooperation appears more pragmatic than ideological. Their suspected ongoing connection to Fatah provides a layer of strategic ambiguity, allowing the Palestinian Authority to maintain its diplomatic stance while potentially retaining a military capability through the Brigades.

Unlike more prominent militant groups, the Mujahideen Brigades maintain minimal media presence and international notoriety. Their activities are sporadically reported, typically surfacing during conflicts or through claims on niche platforms. This low profile extends to their leadership and organizational structure, which remain largely unknown to outside observers.

The group's funding sources also remain unclear. While they likely rely on a combination of local support and smuggling networks, similar to other Palestinian factions, there's no concrete evidence of their financial pipeline. Some analysts suggest they may receive support from external patrons like Iran, which already backs Hamas and PIJ, but this remains speculative.

Their emergence in a high-profile case like the Bibas family murders marks a significant development in their operational pattern. While previously known for military-focused attacks, this involvement in civilian targeting represents a dark new chapter in their history.

The latest developments have brought unprecedented attention to a group that has historically preferred to operate in the shadows. Their ability to maintain strategic ambiguity while participating in significant operations has made them an increasingly important player in the ongoing conflict, adding another layer of complexity to the region's already intricate terror landscape.