And some form of shock or other force pushing prices higher or lower might inspire a monetary policy response.

FORBES: Inflation Fears and Facts

Or should Hamas hope that Palestinian suffering would prick the world's conscience, rally a billion-plus fellow Muslims to their side, and so eventually force Israel to back down and, perhaps better yet, inspire Palestinians in the West Bank to overthrow Fatah?

ECONOMIST: Gaza and Hamas

"Andy Marsh demonstrated to me that he is the right man to lead the force, that he shares my vision for the future and has the ability to inspire officers and staff to deliver my priorities and to make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight an even safer place, " he said.

BBC: Dep Ch Const Andy Marsh