Captain Daniel Maimon Toaf, who tragically lost his life on Tuesday during a building explosion in Rafah, had spoken earlier this year, in March, on Kan 11 about his fallen comrade, Captain Yaron Chitis, who died in combat.

Following Yaron's death, Daniel took over his role as company commander in the Shaked Battalion of the Givati Brigade, continuing his friend's mission.

Reflecting on the Gaza conflict, Daniel remarked in his interview: "From the moment the IDF entered, we’ve been standing with the civilians, doing what is needed. We’re here to finish the job and ensure victory."

He also addressed the challenging nature of the operation: "The fighting is tough and draining. We’ve been on the ground for nearly five months, but the soldiers’ morale is high. We take moments to enjoy ourselves when we can, and we strike the enemy hard. Things are progressing well, with numerous successes and many terrorists eliminated. Above all, we’re relieved to see the home front starting to recover."

On stepping into his late friend’s shoes as commander, Daniel expressed the emotional difficulty: "It’s never easy. Yaron was a close friend. We went through training together from the very beginning, side by side. Losing friends is part of the sacrifice we make. But we will carry on his legacy. He would want us to keep smiling, to win this war, and to keep fighting until Hamas no longer exists."

Alongside Captain Daniel Maimon Toaf, three other soldiers were killed in the same incident: 20-year-old Staff Sergeant Agam Naim from Mishmarot, a paramedic in the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade; 21-year-old Staff Sergeant Amit Bakri from Yoshivia, a fighter in the Shaked Battalion of the Givati Brigade; and 21-year-old Staff Sergeant Dotan Shimon from Elazar, also a fighter in the Shaked Battalion.

"From right: Staff Sergeant Dotan Shimon, Captain Daniel Maimon Toaf, Staff Sergeant Amit Bakri, and Staff Sergeant Agam Naim"

Five additional soldiers were injured, with three in serious condition and two sustaining moderate injuries. In a separate clash in southern Gaza, a Givati reconnaissance officer was wounded.

President Isaac Herzog mourned the loss of the four soldiers, stating: "It’s a deeply sorrowful morning. We lost four brave individuals—one heroic paramedic and three courageous fighters—while their comrades were wounded in yesterday’s fierce battles in Gaza. My heart is with their families and loved ones. May the memories of Staff Sergeant Agam Naim, Staff Sergeant Amit Bakri, Captain Daniel Maimon Toaf, and Staff Sergeant Dotan Shimon be a blessing, forever etched in our hearts."