This week in power: Gaza ground attack and Kerry arrives

A roundup of the most talked about political and global stories in the Jewish world this week:

War wears on
“Diplomatic efforts to end two weeks of Gaza Strip violence intensified after dozens of Palestinians and 13 Israeli soldiers died in the conflict’s bloodiest single day,” ” target=”_blank”>said The New York Times' editorial board: “Without a political strategy, another cease-fire may be the most anyone can hope for at this moment. But Hamas leaders have rejected one proposed in the past week by Egypt and are demanding better terms. Meanwhile, Palestinian civilians suffer the consequences.”

On the other side of the equation, ” target=”_blank”>Kerry said to an aide before his interview on “Fox News Sunday.” What impact did that make on relations? “Indeed, John Kerry is but the tip of the iceberg. As long as the Obama administration is in office, it really does not matter who the secretary of state is. It will not withdraw its recognition of the State Department-designated terrorist organization Hamas in its coalition with Fatah,” ” target=”_blank”>progress” in his talks for a peace deal. “The final question is what kind of deal could be achieved. The simplest way to conclude this round would be quiet for quiet: no more Hamas rockets and no more Israeli military action. But it's probably too late for that kind of a cease-fire, and it would likely only be a temporary respite,”