An Irish-Israeli woman who was attending a music festival in southern Israel when it was attacked by Hamas fighters is unaccounted for, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Kim Damti, 22, was at the event in Re’im. She spoke to her mother at 06.30 a.m. just as the attack took place.
Jennifer Damti said her daughter asked: “Mummy, what should I do?”
Speaking to ABC News, Jennifer, said: “Kim didn’t realise that there was seven or eight Toyota vans full of terrorists. They just shot everywhere, slaughtered them like dogs.”
She added: “I can’t sleep, all I can think about is where she is, if she’s suffering, if she’s still alive, I just want her back.”
Latest reports say that up to 260 people were killed as Hamas attacked the festival from Gaza while there is video footage of young people being taken hostage.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin said: “Could I say that, as more information is revealed, I think the full horror of the crimes that were committed yesterday by Hamas are laid bare.
“Hundreds and hundreds of innocent people slaughtered in the most savage of ways.”
He added: “It’s important that the voice of moderation emerges in all of this. It’s important we do not endure any further loss of life.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Irish embassy was offering assistance to Irish or dual citizens caught up in the attacks. The Department of Foreign Affairs is in contact with a “small number” of Irish citizens in Gaza which is being bombarded by Israel since Saturday morning, following the Hamas attacks.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said: “We urge Irish citizens in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory to follow the advice of our embassy.”
Sinn Féin has called for the end to hostilities on both sides.
The party’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Matt Carthy TD said: “There is no justification for the killing of civilians on any side. All acts of violence must end immediately. International law must finally be respected and enforced.”
