Missing Irish-Israeli woman found dead

THE BODY of 22-year-old woman Kim Damti has been found. 

Irish-Israeli woman Kim Damti, who was missing following Hama's attacks in southern Israel has died.

"With heartfelt sorrow the Cooper family announce the death of their beloved niece, Kim Damti," said her aunt, Pat Cooper in a statement.

"We thank all those who have supported us with love and encouragement over the past five days. We respectfully request the media to allow us to grieve in the privacy of our family," she added.

Kim Damti spoke to her Laois mother for the last time on Saturday, October 7 just as Hamas militants launched their attacks.

When she last called her mother, Kim was running towards a car with a friend, in a bid to flee the rocket barrage, which occurred near the border of the Gaza Strip. 

Kim Damti was attending a trance music festival for the Supernova Sukkot gathering. 

In a statement tonight to RTÉ News, Tánaiste Micheál Martin paid tribute to her.

"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," he said.