A 22-year-old Irish-Israeli citizen who was at a music festival near the Gaza border has been confirmed dead following the despicable Hamas attacks in Israel.
Kim Damti had been attending the Supernova music festival in Re’im, southern Israel, on Saturday when Hamas terrorists descended on the site in paragliders, motorbikes and pick-up trucks and carried out a massacre.
Irish Premier Leo Varadkar said the death of Ms Damti was ‘senseless and barbaric’. More than 260 bodies have been recovered from the site of the festival which was billed as a celebration of ‘friends, love and infinite freedom’.
‘As a nation we are united in mourning for Kim Damti,’ Mr Varadkar said. ‘This vibrant young Irish-Israeli woman was struck down in her prime, with her adult life ahead of her.
‘Her death, and the deaths of more than a thousand other citizens of Israel and from around the world, was senseless and barbaric.
Kim Damti had been attending a music festival near the Gaza border on Saturday when the surprise attack by the terrorist group was carried out
‘Kim gave happiness and joy to her family and those around her.
‘As we learn of her death, we pause to think of her, her family in Israel and Ireland and of all those now grieving in countless other nations.’
Irish deputy-premier Micheal Martin confirmed Ms Damti’s death in a statement on Wednesday evening, and said she was a young woman ‘full of promise’.
‘It is with immense sadness that I learnt this evening that Kim Damti’s death has been confirmed,’ he said.
‘When news reached us over the weekend that an Irish citizen was one of the many hundreds missing after the repugnant terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel, we hoped against hope that she would be found safely.
‘The news that this hope has now been extinguished is devastating.
‘Anyone looking at the photo of Kim in the media over the last few days will have been struck by the radiance and energy in her expression; a young 22-year-old woman with a whole life ahead of her, full of promise.’
At least 260 were killed in the massacre while many are still missing – probably dead or taken hostage by the bloodthirsty militants. As rescuers continue to sift through the deadly wreckage of the attack on Sunday, the Mail recounts how the terror unfolded
Jake Marlowe, the 26-year-old Brit who went missing during the festival attack, was also confirmed dead by his heartbroken mother Lisa (pictured together) today
The Tanaiste said he had spoken with Ms Damti’s family, and extended condolences to her family in Ireland and in Israel.
‘For anyone to lose a child is devastating. To lose a child in such circumstances is indescribable,’ he said.
‘On my behalf and on behalf of the Government and people of Ireland, I convey our heartfelt condolences to Kim’s family in Ireland and in Israel.
‘We are with them in their grief. I spoke with Kim’s family earlier this evening and expressed this to them.
‘Our thoughts remain with all the families of those who have died, who are injured or who are missing in the wake of these terrible events. May her memory be a blessing.’
Terrified revellers fled for their lives as they were surrounded by Hamas gunmen at the festival. It was several hours before help would arrive, leaving militants armed with rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns free to carry out a murderous rampage.
At least 260 were killed while many are still missing and feared dead. Jake Marlowe, the 26-year-old Brit who went missing during the festival attack, was also confirmed dead by his heartbroken mother today.
Jake’s parents, Lisa and Michael, confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
The mother of German tattoo artist Shani Louk (pictured), who was believed to have been murdered by Hamas gunmen during the festival , has claimed she received word from Palestine her daughter is still alive.
They wrote: ‘We are heartbroken to have to inform you the crushing news that our son Jake has been confirmed dead in Southern Israel.
‘Repatriation plans are being put in to place, more information will follow.’
Jake had not been heard from since Saturday morning. He was working as part of a security team at the Nova trance music festival.
For some, there is still hope though. The mother of German tattoo artist Shani Louk, who was believed to have been murdered by Hamas gunmen during the festival, has claimed she received word from Palestine her daughter is still alive.
The shocking revelation, if true, provides a glimmer of hope for a despairing family who were forced to watch videos of an unconscious and partially naked Shani paraded through the streets on the back of a pickup truck by Hamas terrorists as onlookers spat on her motionless body.
Hamas terrorists first launched their surprise attack which has engulfed the Middle East in war on Saturday, killing hundreds of Israelis – many of whom are innocent civilians.
In response, Israeli bombardment demolished neighbourhoods in the Palestinian Gaza Strip. The war has already claimed at least 2,300 lives on both sides.
Survivors of the attack, who posted videos of the ordeal to social media, explained how they were forced to hide under bushes to avoid the Hamas gunmen
As the party-goers scrambled toward their vehicles or took cover they found themselves surrounded as four pick-up trucks filled with militants and gunmen on motorcycles encircled the main road leading out of the venue. Pictured: A festival-goer who posted videos as she hid in undergrowth
Terrified partygoers were seen fleeing the festival on foot, running across the sand, trying to jump into cars as Hamas terrorists fired shots
Israelis could be heard shouting, running, and hurriedly getting into cars as they attempt to escape
Aftermath: Burnt-out and abandoned cars where revellers tried to escape the onslaught
Hamas fighters circumvented Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip by flying in via paraglider, according to the Israeli military (pictured: A paraglider crossing into Israel)
The weekend attack that Hamas said was retribution for worsening conditions for Palestinians under Israeli occupation has inflamed Israel’s determination to crush the group’s hold in Gaza.
The Israeli military said more than 1,200 people, including 155 soldiers, have died in Israel since Saturday’s incursion.
In Gaza, the health ministry says more than 1,050 have been killed and more than 5,100 injured. The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency says 250,000 people have been displaced in Gaza.
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu created a wartime Cabinet with political opponent Benny Gantz as the Israeli military appears increasingly likely to launch a ground offensive into Gaza.
