Irish woman missing in Israel following Hamas attack

Kim Damti. Picture: Facebook/Laura Damti

An Irish woman has been reported missing following Saturday morning’s surprise attacks in Israel by Hamas militants.

Kim Damti, who holds joint Irish and Israeli citizenship, is unaccounted for following the attack having been in attendance at a rave when the attack occurred.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case.

“The Department is aware of this case, and we are in touch with the family directly and providing consular assistance," said a spokesperson.

Leo Varadkar added on Sunday: “We don’t have any definite detail beyond that, but certainly (we’re) aware of it and willing to offer any consular assistance we can to any Irish citizens or any dual Irish citizens that are caught up in these terrible attacks.”

According to The Irish Times, the 22-year-old was partying at an outdoor rave close to the Gaza border when the first rocket barrage hit close to 7am.

Hundreds of terrified young people who had been dancing at the rave fled for their lives after Hamas militants entered the area and began firing at them.

Ms Damti’s mother, Jennifer, is originally from Portlaoise but currently lives in Israel. She told The Irish Times that her daughter is a "brilliant", "happy" kid.

“They shot them down like ducks. So many kids were slaughtered there,” she said.

The concerned mother said Ms Damti's name was originally on a list of those who had reached safety but she was not on the buses that evacuated people from the rave.

Ms Damti was born in Israel, along with her four siblings. They live in the Israeli town of Gadera but have often spent summers in Ireland.

The attack occurred on Saturday morning when Hamas and Islamic Jihad fired thousands of rockets from Gaza and armed militants broke down the hi-tech barriers surrounding the strip to enter Israel, shooting and taking hostages.

Militants infiltrated Jewish communities near the border with Gaza, killing and seizing civilians and soldiers.

The exact reasons for the attack are not clear, but there has been growing violence for months between Israeli soldiers and settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said he is aware of the case of an Irish-Israeli citizen missing after Saturday’s attack by Hamas.

“We are aware of the case and the Department Foreign Affairs has been in touch… with the family. But we don’t intend to comment specifically on the case at this stage,” the Tánaiste 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 said that people had been targeted in their homes in an “indiscriminate” way.

Mr Varadkar said that the surprise attack launched by Hamas is “probably the worst attack that Israel has had to endure for 40 years now”.

“The government condemns it unreservedly, there can be no excuse for targeting women, children, taking children and women, civilians as hostage,” the Taoiseach said.

“I don’t think anyone could do anything other than condemn that and we do condemn it unreservedly. I would also urge restraint though by the Israeli authorities, there will be retaliation for this, I’m sure, but for the first time, I think in a very long time, Israel is united and the free world is standing in solidarity with Israel.

“But that could change, I think, if the response from Israel is excessive and results in unnecessary civilian deaths in Gaza, so very much that is this part of our message too.”