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The Israel Defense Forces confirmed on Monday that troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip recovered the personal weapon of slain hostage Captain Daniel Perez. The discovery was made inside a heavily booby-trapped compound during ongoing combat operations in the area.
According to the military, the compound contained explosive devices rigged by Hamas militants. An image released by the IDF showed a soldier holding Perez’s weapon alongside a bomb found at the site, underscoring the continued dangers Israeli forces face during ground operations.
Captain Perez served as a company commander in the 77th Battalion of the 7th Armored Brigade. He was killed during the Hamas-led infiltration on October 7, when militants breached Israeli communities and military positions in the south in one of the deadliest attacks in Israel’s history.
After his death, Perez’s remains were taken into the Gaza Strip by Hamas fighters, placing him among dozens of soldiers and civilians abducted during the assault. The military later confirmed that his body was returned to Israel on October 13, 2025, following intensive recovery efforts.
Born in South Africa, Perez emigrated to Israel with his family in 2014, settling in the community of Yad Binyamin. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation among his peers as a committed officer and leader devoted to his soldiers.
News of his killing resonated deeply within Israel and abroad, particularly among Jewish communities in South Africa. Tributes poured in from political leaders, military officials, and diaspora organizations, highlighting both his service and his personal story.
Perez was laid to rest at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl military cemetery on October 15. The funeral was attended by President Isaac Herzog and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, a rare gesture reflecting the national significance of his sacrifice.
Military officials said the recovery of Perez’s weapon holds symbolic importance, even as operational efforts remain focused on dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure. The discovery also illustrates how militants continue to use civilian and former combat sites to conceal explosives and weapons.
The IDF has repeatedly warned that booby-trapped compounds pose a major threat to advancing troops. Spokespeople noted that such devices are intended to slow Israeli operations and inflict casualties, even long after specific battles have moved on.
Beyond the battlefield, the Perez family has remained prominent in public life. In November, Captain Perez’s father, Rabbi Doron Perez, was elected president of the World Zionist Organization following a coalition agreement at the World Zionist Congress.
Supporters say the appointment reflects a continuation of the family’s commitment to Zionist ideals and public service. For many Israelis, the recovery of Captain Perez’s weapon serves as both a painful reminder of October 7 and a symbol of perseverance amid a protracted and bitter conflict.