Alon Keren, a 21-year-old Israeli reserve soldier, recently spoke to NPR about his experiences serving in the Israeli army in Gaza. Keren, who has been stationed in Gaza for two months, is part of a commando unit responsible for transporting supplies to combat soldiers. His account offers a glimpse into the routine, camaraderie, and challenges faced by Israeli soldiers on the ground.

Since Israel's ground invasion of Gaza, more than 160 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives, while Gaza health officials report that over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed during the war. Keren, however, emphasizes that his role does not involve direct combat but rather supporting the combat soldiers in his unit.

Keren's unit frequently travels back and forth between Israel and Gaza, delivering equipment for repairs and providing supplies to troops. During their short stays in Israel, the soldiers have an opportunity to shower and use their cell phones to reassure their loved ones of their well-being.

In an effort to uplift the spirits of Israeli soldiers, standup comic Guy Hochman visited Keren's unit and entertained them with his humor. Hochman has been documenting these encounters and sharing them on social media platforms to bring some cheer to the worried friends and family of Israeli soldiers.

Keren shares that his unit carries out 24- to 48-hour raids throughout Gaza, occasionally evacuating lightly wounded soldiers or transporting them to receive further medical attention. While waiting for missions, Keren spends time with fellow soldiers and delves into books to help pass the time.

As for the living conditions, Keren reveals that his unit initially stayed in an abandoned home, where the soldiers slept on the floor in sleeping bags. They later relocated to a new home near the Mediterranean Sea, unsure if Palestinians had lived there previously due to the absence of personal belongings.

Despite the dangers of serving in Gaza, Keren expresses a sense of routine and simplicity in his daily life. He finds solace in the support of his comrades and the breathtaking view of the nearby beach.

On the international front, Keren's girlfriend, Noam Segal, also a military reservist, expresses frustration with social media posts denouncing Israel's actions. Segal emphasizes that their fight is against the terror organization Hamas and not the civilians caught in the crossfire. However, she expresses sympathy for the innocent Palestinians suffering as a result of the war.

Keren acknowledges that he doesn't have a comprehensive understanding of the bigger picture of the conflict. Nevertheless, he asserts his commitment to his military mission, protecting Israeli civilians and ensuring their safety.

As the Israeli soldier resumes his duties in Gaza, his story provides a small glimpse into the reality and complexities faced by those on the frontlines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.