'Truly appalling' - President Higgins pays tribute to young Israeli woman with Laois roots Kim Damti

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to the Israeli Irish woman Kim Damti killed during the Hammas attack on a music festival she was attending.

He issued a statement soon after her relatives in Laois confirmed her death on Wednesday.

“It is with the greatest sadness that I have heard of the death of the young Irish-Israeli citizen Kim Damti.

"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.

"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.

"May I send my deepest condolences to Kim's family, friends and all those with whom she shared her life.

"Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam,” concluded the statement.

Kim's mother Jennifer is a Laois woman who has lived in Israel for many years.

The mother and daughter visited Laois this year for a family wedding.