IDF Soldier Yonatan Maatouf Shares Recovery Journey After Gaza Injury
IDF combat soldier Yonatan Maatouf reflects on his grueling rehabilitation after his arm was amputated following an accidental shooting in Gaza, discussing faith and forgiveness.
IDF combat soldier Yonatan Maatouf, who served as a Namer armored personnel carrier commander along the Morag corridor in the Gaza Strip, is sharing his arduous rehabilitation journey after suffering a severe arm injury during operational service.
The incident took place on the eve of Passover, when Maatouf was performing routine maintenance on his vehicle. Two fellow soldiers nearby were handling a MAG general-purpose machine gun, and one of them chambered a round without the other realizing the weapon was loaded. Maatouf was standing nearby adding oil to the Namer when the soldier disengaged the safety and fired a three-round burst that struck his arm.
The Injury and Amputation
Remaining conscious throughout the ordeal, Maatouf was evacuated by helicopter to a hospital. His arm bones were severely shattered and muscles torn. Before entering surgery, he asked the physician if there was any chance his arm could be saved, but post-operative findings confirmed amputation was unavoidable. Upon waking, his first words to his parents were an apology for being wounded.
Despite the devastating loss, Maatouf reached out to the soldier responsible for the accidental discharge to let him know he held no bitterness. Maintaining contact with his comrade, Maatouf noted that such an error could have happened to anyone.
Combat Memories and Rehabilitation
Before his medical evacuation, Maatouf participated in intense combat operations in the Gaza Strip, including the historic engagement that led to the elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. His unit was deployed to an active exchange of fire, providing cover for the building where Sinwar was located and observing the drone used in the operation.
Now undergoing rigorous rehabilitation lasting about five months, Maatouf deals with phantom limb pain and the emotional adjustment of relinquishing his dream of serious musical training. Supported by his deep faith, he insisted on participating in the Passover Seder meal in the hospital just days after his injury, singing hymns of gratitude alongside his father. Returning home to Moshav Gamzo a week later, he was welcomed with traditional music and dancing, finding inner strength to rebuild his life and look toward the future.
