Qassam rocket lands in western Negev kibbutz
Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council suffers another hit as rocket narrowly misses residents' homes, causes mild peripheral damage
Not such a placid Purim after all. Despite of the overall feeling of calm in southern Israel, a Qassam rocket fired from northern Gaza landed in the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council's limits Thursday, causing no injuries, but damaging several buildings.
"The rocket landed very close to one of the houses. There was a loud explosion and several houses' windows were shattered by the blast," Ami Rabin, the security officer of the kibbutz which was hit, told Ynet.
"Unfortunately, the kibbutz homes are not fortified, a process we are hoping to accelerate," he added.
The Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council was hit by another Qassam rocket Wednesday, as Palestinians fired two Qassams at the area. The second rocket landed within the Strip.
Four mortar shells were fired at the area on Wednesday as well, landing near the security fence and causing no damage.
Earlier Wednesday, Republican presidential nominee John McCain visited Sderot.
McCain then met with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The latter told the presidential hopeful that he was skeptical as to the calm's chances to persevere.
McCain went on to express his empathy for the residents of Sderot, saying "this is no way to spend the Purim holiday"; adding that "the situation is southern Israel is unbearable…
"I'm sure that of the people of Arizona were under fire the United State's government would take action. Surely, the resident would demand a response."
Roni Sofer contributed to this report
