IMO these offshoot groups aren’t that important in understanding the big picture.
I think you do. When I read your comment that the “story” of the release of the 4 hostages was a lie, I thought that you understood completely. Which is better than 90% of the population!
My own theory on the 4 rescued hostages is that Israel had them the whole time. They cut a deal with them to recite a made up story.
Or something similar.