A UN report warns Gaza is at "breaking point" and that Israel's relentless bombing has reduced life expectancy, education and standard of living back to 1955 levels. The IDF justifies its attacks, claiming Hamas and Hezbollah are deeply embedded among civilians. Which makes a new report particularly horrifying. Correspondent Jeremy Diamond investigates claims that Israel is forcing Palestinians to act as "human shields" in Gaza, to avoid putting its troops in harm's way. 

Also on today's show: Former US Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland; voting rights activist Stacey Abrams and singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge; Jason Furman, former Chair, Council of Economic Advisers 

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The latest polls suggest the race for US president between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris remains incredibly tight. The final result will surely come down to a handful of swing states, like Pennsylvania, which both candidates are trying to clinch. Veteran journalist Christine Spolar has been interviewing voters in the state for months now, and joins Christiane from Pittsburgh. 

Also on today's show: legendary investigative reporter Bob Woodward discusses his new book "War"; Arielle Angel, Editor-in-Chief, Jewish Currents 

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back in Israel trying to bring the war in Gaza to an end. Hundreds have been killed there in the last two weeks alone with no word from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on what he sees as Gaza's future. Far-right Israelis, including government ministers, are calling for settlements in the enclave. Jerusalem correspondent Jeremy Diamond joins the show and brings us a report on these settlers. 

Also on today's show: Moldova Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi; author Ben Macintyre; former Acting US Solicitor General Neal Katyal 

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Despite killing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar last week, Israel is stepping up its military campaign in Gaza. In Lebanon, Israel’s campaign is straying further from military targets, attacking branches of a Hezbollah financial center which is used by many civilians as a bank. Meanwhile, a Hezbollah drone has hit the private residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was not there, and no injuries have been reported. Ryan Crocker, who served as US ambassador to Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and other posts across the region joins Christiane to discuss. 

Also on today's show: Leslie Vinjamuri from the think tank Chatham House & Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg on the upcoming US presidential election; Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman (Ret.) 

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As the stakes of a razor-thin U.S. election couldn’t be higher, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined Christiane in London where she was whipping up votes from Democrats overseas. She warned of the unprecedented implications for American democracy and called the leverage given to the Netanyahu government by the White House "most destructive." Then, Leslie Vinjamuri of Chatham House in London and Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg break down how U.S. allies are preparing for the results of the U.S. presidential election, and why Democrats remain hopeful about Kamala Harris' chances despite the tightening polls. Director Ali Abbasi discusses his new film, The Apprentice, chronicling Trump’s rise and the battle to get it released in U.S. theaters. Plus, as Trump calls for the death penalty for drug dealers, Ivan Watson goes inside Singapore’s Changi Prison to examine the policy from up close. From the archives, Yuval Bitton shares rare insights into Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's extremist thinking. And finally, the goddess of pop Cher is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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Following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, many are wondering what its influence might be on the Israel-Hamas war, including the fate of the hostages. Former longtime hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin, author of "The Negotiator: Freeing Gilad Schalit from Hamas," joins the show to discuss. 

Also on today's show: Ali Abbasi, Director, "The Apprentice"; Renee Diresta, Associate Research Professor, Georgetown; actor Gillian Anderson on her new book about female sexuality, "Want" 

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The Hamas leader and mastermind of the October 7 attacks, Yahya Sinwar, is dead. Investigative journalist Ronen Bergman joins the show from Tel Aviv with the latest. Then, as the war rumbles on, where does this leave ceasefire negotiations? What about the hostages? We get the American perspective from former top diplomat Richard Haass. Plus, we get reaction from retired Israeli General Noam Tibon.

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Outmanned and outgunned, Ukraine must work creatively to make a dent in Russia's war machine. Long-range drones that strike deep inside Russia are one of those innovations. Correspondent Fred Pleitgen was given exclusive access to one top-secret drone unit, and brings us a report from the frontline. 

Also on today's show: former NATO Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller; NPR music critic Ann Powers; PolitiFact founder Bill Adair 

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The Biden Administration has sent a formal letter to the Israeli government demanding it improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza within 30 days, or risk violating American laws over foreign military assistance. This diplomatic move comes as the United Nations says that Israel is "effectively sealing off" the north of the enclave, leaving Palestinians with no access to food. The UN also warns that Israel may be carrying out the "large-scale forced transfer of the civilian population." Correspondent Jomana Karadsheh reports on the terrible suffering of the Israeli hostages and their families, as well as the Palestinian children and civilians who were killed and gruesomely injured. 

Also on today's show: Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli Defense Intelligence; actor Cate Blanchett & director Alfonso Cuaron, "Disclaimer"; Georgetown law professor Steve Vladeck 

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War in the Middle East is intensifying on multiple fronts. Earlier on Monday, an Israeli airstrike hit a village north of Beirut killing at least 19 people. It comes as a Hezbollah drone strike killed four IDF soldiers deep inside Israel and in Gaza, there were scenes of panic after an Israeli airstrike hit the crowded courtyard of a hospital, killing four people. James Elder is the global spokesperson for UNICEF and he joins the show from Geneva to discuss his recent visit to Gaza. 

Also on today's show: Nancy Pelosi on her new book, "The Art of Power"; Theodore R. Johnson, scholar of race and electoral politics, on his new book, "If We Are Brave" 

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