AUSTIN (AP) – Gov. Rick Perry has written to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he’s “deeply saddened” to see his country “once again under siege by Hamas forces firing rockets and mortars.”

In a letter Tuesday, Perry said the latest round of attacks is contributing to “mounting bloodshed on both sides.”

More than 1,000 rockets have been fired at Israel this week, killing five people. Israel has responded with nearly 1,500 air strikes, killing 133 Palestinians.

Perry said he stands with Israel “as you rightfully defend yourselves from these outrageous terrorist attacks.”

The governor called on the U.S. government “to rally the international community in defense of Israel.” He also said he was praying “that all Palestinians in Gaza who truly desire peace will reject the malignant forces bombarding your people.”

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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