‘Commanded the Kidnappings’: Israel Eliminates Terrorist Implicated in Kidnapping and Murders of Bibas Family and American Citizens

FDD | April 5, 2025

Latest Developments

• Terrorist Eliminated: Israel announced on April 4 that it had eliminated Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad, a senior terrorist in the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement terror organization that is sometimes referred to as the “Mujahideen Brigades.” Awad “commanded the kidnappings of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas,” during the October 7, 2023, atrocities and was “likely personally involved” in their murders. Awad also was responsible for the kidnappings of American citizens Gad Haggai and Judi Weinstein, along with numerous Thai citizens.

• Awad’s October 7 Actions: The IDF stated that Awad had “raided” the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz “several times” on October 7 and was one of the leaders in the massacre, during which 47 people were killed and 76 taken hostage. He was also responsible for recruiting terrorist operatives in the West Bank and Israel, according to the statement.
• Additional IDF Strikes Against Palestinian Terrorists: Over the past week, the IDF targeted at least six high-level Hamas terrorists throughout Gaza and Lebanon.  On April 4, Hamas commander Hassan Farhat was killed in Sidon, Lebanon. On April 3, Israel eliminated four Hamas terrorists in a strike in Jabalia, Gaza, some of whom had infiltrated into Israel on October 7 and been involved with Hamas’s “cynical release ceremony” of Israeli hostages. Additionally, on April 4 the IDF and Shin Bet announced that Hamas propagandist and “psychological terror operative,” Mohammed Saleh al-Bardawil, was killed in an airstrike earlier in the week.

FDD Expert Response

“The participation of other Palestinian armed groups in the October 7 attacks underscore how smaller terrorist factions, such as the so-called Mujahideen Brigades, effectively operate as Hamas’s auxiliary forces. This dynamic became apparent when the Mujahideen Brigades launched an attack on Nir Oz, kidnapped the Bibas family, and subsequently handed over responsibility to Hamas for negotiating their release, managing propaganda efforts, and arranging the return of the Bibas family’s remains. To effectively dismantle Hamas’s operational capacity, the IDF must also target these affiliated groups, which form an integral part of the broader network of Palestinian terrorist organizations in Gaza.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The brutal murders of Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri Bibas in captivity — along with the desecration of their bodies — were recently exposed by the IDF. The elimination of a senior Palestinian terrorist likely involved in these atrocities serves as some semblance of justice against the forces of evil that invaded southern Israel and massacred its citizens on October 7.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Wherever they Operate’: IDF Eliminates Hamas Terrorists in Lebanon, Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Shifting Gears’: IDF Creates New Gazan Corridor to Isolate Hamas,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Returning With Great Force’: IDF Orders Evacuation of Rafah, Continues Operations Throughout Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘In Cold Blood’: Hamas Murdered Bibas Children With Bare Hands, Sent Unidentified Body in Place of Shiri Bibas,” FDD Flash Brief