Palestinian forces operating out of the Gaza Strip fired three rockets at communities in southern Israel on Friday afternoon, creating widespread panic as local Israelis were gathered at outdoor public venues to celebrate the Bible-based festival of Purim.
None of the rockets caused any damage or injuries, but warning sirens sent thousands of Israelis who were attending Purim street shows and fairs scrambling for cover.
One Israeli told Ynet that the attack had the unfortunate effect of driving away the large number of Israelis from other parts of the country who had come to Sderot and other rocket-battered communities as a show of solidarity during the Purim holiday.
In other violence, Israeli Arab youth stoned Israeli firefighters near Nazareth on Friday. The firefighters were called to the location to put out burning tires.