President Michael D Higgins led tributes for Irish-Israeli woman Kim Damti, who died following a Hamas attack at a music festival in Israel last weekend.

President Higgins said Ms Damti's death was "truly appalling".

"It is with the greatest sadness that I have heard of the death of the young Irish-Israeli citizen Kim Damti,” the President’s statement read. “The circumstances in which her life was taken, having travelled as she did to attend a music festival, are truly appalling.”

“It is not only those of us who are parents, but all of those who feel that young people should be free to attend events with their peers in conditions of safety, who will find such circumstances where a young life is taken so appalling,” he added.

“Kim's death once again reminds us what an outrageous breach of fundamental international law in conditions of conflict it is to target civilians in this way."

The 22-year-old’s death was confirmed yesterday evening by her family. She had been unaccounted for since the attack at the Re’im festival southern Israel.

“With heartfelt sorrow the Cooper family announce the death of their beloved niece, Kim Damti,” said the family in a statement to RTÉ News. "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."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that the country was "united in mourning" for Ms Damti.

As a nation we are united in mourning for Kim Damti. This vibrant young Irish-Israeli woman was struck down in her prime with her adult life ahead of her. Her death & the deaths of more than a thousand other citizens of Israel & from around the world, was senseless and barbaric.

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) October 11, 2023

Tánaiste Micheal Martin added said “For anyone to lose a child is devastating. To lose a child in such circumstances is indescribable,” and that Ms Damti had a life “full of promise”.

The Irish Jewish community is "in mourning" over the death, Chairman of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland Maruice Cohen told RTÉ's Morning Ireland.

Cohen said Damti’s death "underscores the urgent need for peace and the inherent value of human life"

“The actions and beliefs of the terrorists who carried out the attacks are in stark contrast to the principles of peace and coexistence,” said.