Israel launched its operation against Hamas installations in the Gaza on December 27 in response to the nearly constant barrage of rockets and missiles launched by Hamas and other terrorist organizations in Gaza, Israel took military action against Hamas installations. Israel is not at war with the people of Gaza or the Palestinian people. Israel's military action was directed against the terrorist organization Hamas and its operational infrastructure. Israel was fulfilling its duty and responsibility to protect the people of Israel who have been terrorized by the ongoing assault by Hamas. No sovereign government in the world would stand by and allow its citizens to be under steady and heavy attack. In light of the unceasing attacks, Israel had no choice but to act against Hamas and eliminate its operational capabilities. As President Barack Obama said when he visited the beleaguered town of Sderot in July 2008, "If somebody was sending rockets into my house, where my two daughters sleep at night, I'm going to do everything in my power to stop that."