ATLANTA — Amid war in Israel following an Oct. 7 attack from Gaza terrorists, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced the state would be supporting Israel through the purchase of bonds.

Kemp, on Oct. 13, said he instructed the State Treasurer to buy $10 million in bonds from Israel to support its defense efforts against the militant Hamas regime. Government bonds are issued by governments to raise money to finance projects or day-to-day operations and typically low-interest, according to Investopedia.

The $10 million amount was the highest available on the market and brings Georgia’s current total investment in Israel via bonds to $25 million, according to Kemp’s office.

“Israel is one of Georgia’s strongest allies and greatest friends, and our support for its people as they endure horrific attacks from terrorists is unwavering,” Kemp said. ”Purchasing these bonds is just the latest expression of that support. Though this conflict was not of Israel’s choosing, we know they will be victorious in this fight against evil and those who seek its destruction.”

Known as Hamas, the Palestinian militant group’s attack has since resulted in the deaths of more than 1,400 Israelis, nearly 300 of them soldiers, as of the morning of Oct. 16. according to the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ reports that the Palestinian death toll in Gaza is at 2,750 as of Oct. 16.

The number of U.S. citizens killed has risen to 30, while 13 remain unaccounted for as American and Israeli citizens have reportedly been taken hostage by Hamas militants.

In May, Kemp and his family led a delegation of state officials on an economic development trip to Israel. During their visit, they traveled across much of the country, passing through several areas attacked during the initial incursions of Oct. 7.

State Sen. Russ Goodman, R-Cogdell, was on a trip to Israel at the time of the attack and has since returned to Georgia.

“From hearing the rockets fired from the Iron Dome to automatic weapon fire heard near our hotel, it was quite an ordeal,” Goodman said in a statement, Oct. 12. “I am thankful to God that my mom, our group, many others and I got out safely.”

As he described the tragic day, he praised his Israeli guide who “embodied the resilience of the people of Israel.”

“I saw the very best of the Israeli people in our time there, including our ex-military Israeli guide who stuck with us throughout — even as rockets landed within 200 yards of his home with his wife and children there,” Goodman said. “The reality is, Hamas terrorists are killing Americans along with Israelis, and the people of Israel are protecting Americans. Above anything else, it shows the bond that our freedom-loving countries share.”

Americans looking to contact the U.S. Embassy in the region can call 833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131 or fill out the form cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.

U.S. citizens in the region should also enroll their contact info in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program step.state.gov/step/.