Kim Damti, the 22-year-old Irish/Israeli who was reported missing after the Hamas attack on Israel, is now confirmed as dead.
Damti had been at the outdoor music festival which came under attack by Hamas. An estimated 260 people were killed in this specific attack.
President Michael D Higgins, in a tribute, said: “It is with the greatest sadness that I have heard of the death of the young Irish-Israeli citizen Kim Damti.
"The circumstances in which her life was taken, having travelled as she did to attend a music festival, are truly appalling.
"It is not only those of us who are parents, but all of those who feel that young people should be free to attend events with their peers in conditions of safety, who will find such circumstances where a young life is taken so appalling.
"Kim's death once again reminds us what an outrageous breach of fundamental international law in conditions of conflict it is to target civilians in this way. May I send my deepest condolences to Kim's family, friends and all those with whom she shared her life. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam.”
Ms. Damti, who lived in the Israeli town of Gedera, had often spent summer holidays in Ireland.
According to the Irish Times, Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen, paid tribute to Ms. Damti on telling Newstalk radio that it was “devastating news” for her family in County Laois. Ms. Damti’s mother, Jennifer, is from Portlaoise.
Ms. Damti was one of five siblings and her funeral is due to take place in Gedera Thursday.
