Terrorist Organization Profile:
Mujahadi Bayt al-Maqdis Brigades

In the group's first known attack, members kidnapped human rights activist Kate Burton and her parents in Gaza near the Egyptian border in December 2005. The three hostages were released two days later, unharmed. Various motives for the attack have been reported including the demand for Israel to abolish its buffer zone in northern Gaza, the desire to draw attention to the plight of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and the condemnation of the historical role the British have played in the region.

The Burtons' kidnapping drew unprecedented criticism and condemnation by Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, al-Fatah, the Popular Resistance Committees, and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, due to Kate Burton's support for and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians. One member of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades was held in connection to the kidnapping although he was never charged for the attack. He was released on January 5 after his followers attacked an Egyptian border fence with a bulldozer in protest. No further evidence has implicated the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades.

Learn more about these U.S. Department of State classifications:

Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs)

Terrorist Exclusion List (TEL)