Here’s a glimpse at what we can expect when a Kerry administration goes hat in hand to the United Nations, asking permission to take action against a clear and present danger: Annan condemns Gaza offensive. (Hat tip: Jamie.)

GAZA CITY (CNN) — In a statement issued Sunday, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan condemned Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have killed dozens of Palestinians in recent days. Annan urged the Israeli government “to halt its military incursions into the Gaza Strip, which have led to the deaths of scores of Palestinians, among them many civilians, including children.”

“The secretary-general likewise calls on the Palestinian Authority to take action to halt the firing of rockets against Israeli targets by Palestinian militants. He reminds both sides to this conflict that they have a legal obligation to protect all civilians.” …

In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said the Israeli operations are necessary to protect Israelis from Palestinian attacks. “The operation will take place as long as there are Qassams, rockets and mortars coming out of the Gaza Strip,” said Yigal Palmor, a spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

The operation was launched after a Palestinian Qassam rocket landed on a street in the southern Israeli town of Sderot on Wednesday, killing a 2-year-old Israeli girl and her 4-year-old brother.