The missing Irish-Israeli woman Kim Damti has died, the Government has confirmed.
The 22-year-old was unaccounted for following an attack on a music festival by Hamas militants on Saturday.
The last time her family heard from her, Kim was with a friend running towards a car in a bid to flee the falling rockets.
Her mother Jennifer (60), who's from Portlaoise, made an appeal for her daughter's safe return earlier this week.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Ms Damti's death earlier tonight.
A Statement: pic.twitter.com/5Vjsro2OBx
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 11, 2023
Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin said he learned of her death with immense sadness.
"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," he said.
"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.
"For anyone to lose a child is devastating. To lose a child in such circumstances is indescribable.
"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."
Mr Martin said he spoke with Ms Damti's family earlier this evening.
"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," he added.
