JERUSALEM, Israel — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday morning to "reaffirm Texas' unwavering support."
"There is a deep enduring bond between Texas and Israel, with the blessings of freedom and burdens of vigilance embedded in the histories of both our people," Abbott said in a news release Thursday.
Abbott in his visit reaffirmed his belief in Israel's right to defend itself from Hamas terrorist attacks. He was joined on his trip by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.
"Unfortunately, never has freedom in Israel been more threatened than it is right now -- and the people of Israel are vigorously fighting to defend it," the governor said. "Texas stands ready to offer our complete and total support to Israel in their fight against brutal terrorist organizations like Hamas."
Abbott called Israel "America's strongest ally in the Middle East."
The visit comes as the Palestinian death toll has risen to more than 9,000, according to the Associated Press. The AP reports that includes more than 3,600 children. Wednesday, President Joe Biden suggested a humanitarian "pause" on the fighting, though AP reports that Netanyahu has previously ruled out a cease-fire.
Officials in the White House said a pause in fighting would allow for more humanitarian aid to be provided and help facilitate the release of hostages, which some 240 were reportedly taken captive in Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.
Some Palestinian refugees were allowed to flee Gaza through the Rafah crossing into Egypt on Wednesday after weeks of talks. According to AP, it was the first and only other time people have left Gaza since four hostages were released by Hamas and another rescued by Israeli forces.
Egypt has said it will not accept an influx of Palestinian refugees, fearing Israel will not allow them to return to Gaza after the war.
Israel has reportedly allowed nearly 260 trucks bringing humanitarian aid, like food and water, into Gaza, but workers say it's not nearly enough.
Casualties on both sides are expected to rise as Israeli troops advance toward the dense residential neighborhoods of Gaza City.