The Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed that the government is liaising with the relatives of an Irish-Israeli woman, who has vanished without a trace in Israel. 22-year-old Kim Damti was last observed attending a party in the southern parts of Israel.
The party takes place against the backdrop of a series of assaults initiated by the militant faction Hamas this past Saturday. Micheál Martin, Deputy Prime Minister, conveyed that both the Department of Foreign Affairs and consular officials are cognizant of the situation. However, he noted that they would not be making any specific statements at present.
Jennifer Damti, Kim’s Irish mother, recalls the last conversation she had with her daughter. It was approximately 06:30 local time when Kim called just as the militants were beginning their onslaught. Her daughter’s final words conveyed her panic, “Mummy, what should I do?”
After the call, Kim’s brother advised her to find somewhere safe to hide. Unfortunately, they have not heard from her since then. “Kim didn’t realize that the area was swarming with terrorists traveling in several Toyota vans,” Jennifer sadly recalled the incident for the media.
Jennifer detailed the horrifying reality where the terrorists “shot indiscriminately, slaughtering them as if they were not human.” A grieving mother, she shares her tragic tale to call for worldwide condemnation of the violence and brutality that has orphaned her of a child. Reiterating, she said, “I didn’t bring my child into this world to have her life marred by hate.”
The distraught mother spends endless nights worried for her daughter’s fate, wondering where she might be, if she is suffering, is she still alive. Guided by a glimmer of hope, Kim’s brother and father are visiting various hospitals with her hairbrush in a desperate attempt to find a DNA match, if required.
In the aftermath of the surprise attack by a large Hamas force, which claimed the lives of approximately 600 Israeli citizens, Israeli security forces are on a mission to rescue hostages and secure areas overtaken by Palestinian militants. Early Sunday morning, military officials confirm securing 22 locations, with eight more still under scrutiny. Retaliatory strikes by Israel have resulted in the death of over 370 individuals in Gaza. Moreover, 400 Palestinian militants have been killed, and dozens arrested during combat, informs the Israeli military.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has criticized the ‘appalling’ surprise attack by Hamas and voiced his desire to see an end to the conflict soon. Both Varadkar and Martin emphasized the Irish Embassy’s readiness to assist any Irish or dual citizens affected by the attacks. Martin further urged all parties involved to promptly “de-escalate” the volatile situation.
