As news of the attacks spread, drivers honked horns and passersby laughed with joy.
A Hamas spokesperson thanked Allah the attacks were successful, calling the bombings a ‘glorious act.’ Islamic Jihad took the same approach. It predicted that this year would be the year of bombings.
“In the name of Allah, may all of the attacks be like this. That will exterminate [the Israelis]. It will be easier for us. We will reach the South, Tel-Aviv and the heart of Israel ,” an unidentified man in Gaza said.
Israel responded to the suicide bombings by blowing up the car of the Popular Resistance Committee’s leader, Abu Said Qarmout.
The attack killed Qarmount, and injured two members of the group who were riding with him.
The P.R.C. has been behind a good portion of the rockets fired into southern Israel from Gaza .
Some, including Minister Silvan Shalom, believe terrorists from Gaza were behind the Dimona attack.