Qassams damage Negev hothouses

Three Qassam rockets landed in the Sdot Hanegev Regional Council on Sunday. One hit an open area, causing no injuries or damage, but the other two damaged hothouses in communities in the region.

As security forces were dealing with the first two rocket attacks, the third Qassam hit nearby. Local residents, who have been subject to rocket attacks in the past, have grown fearful, especially since Purim is approaching and children tend to parade outside on the holiday in their costumes to celebrate.

Rafi Babayan, the regional council’s security chief, told Ynet: “Many people are feeling very nervous and stressed.”

The Shmuel family, who had a Qassam fall not far from their home once before, say they are feeling the tension. Tamar, the mother, told Ynet about Sunday’s attack, “By chance I was outside and I started to run. Last time it was even closer, but even so, the fear was the same fear.”

Tamar said that the withdrawal from Gaza has put her home in the line of fire. “In the beginning we didn’t pay much attention, but now we’re all afraid. It was to be expected after they evacuated Gush Katif. I am scared to leave my house after five and mainly at night, when you hear the explosions – even if they are the IDF’s gunfire.”

She said she was worried about her children’s safety on Purim. “I’m worried, but I can’t stop my kids from celebrating. We need to keep going. I wish everyone a happy Purim and that we shall know no more Qassams.

Weekend of rockets

On Saturday a Qassam rocket landed between Kibbutz Karmiya and Zikim. According to security forces, the rocket landed in an open area and no damages or injuries were reported. A rocket also hit not far from Kibbutz Gevim south of Sderot, and one 13-year-old girl was treated for shock.

IDF officials claimed that the army’s recent defensive and offensive actions, such as heavy shelling and targeted assassinations in the areas where the Qassam fire was coming from, should limit the terror organizations abilities to attack.