It's one of the world’s most consequential diplomatic relationships. The U.S. and Israel have been steadfast allies for decades. Now that enduring relationship faces its greatest test. The horrific civilian death toll in Gaza - more than 25,000 Palestinians now dead - is fracturing relations. Both openly and behind-the-scenes, the Biden administration is asking Israel to use greater restraint in its assault in Gaza, while also pushing for a post-war peace plan. But it seems prime minister netanyahu is in no mood for listening, repeatedly rejecting calls for a Palestinian state. Daniel Levy - a former Israeli peace negotiator - says Biden’s handling of the Gaza crisis has done ‘tremendous self-harm’ to America’s global leadership image.

Then, filmmaker Ava DuVernay has made exploring racism in America her life’s work. Hits like ‘Selma’ and ‘When They See Us’ have earned her global acclaim. Now her new movie ‘Origin’ - based on Isabel Wilkerson’s groundbreaking book ‘Caste’ - takes things beyond the U.S., drawing parallels with Nazi Germany and India’s caste system. Duvernay discusses her new movie with Christiane, and reacts to the Barbie director Greta Gerwig's Oscar snub. 

With the eyes of the world focused on Gaza, Ukraine is fighting for attention as supplies and ammunition run dangerously low in its fight against Putin’s Russian invaders. CNN Senior International Correspondent Fred Pleitgen shows us the situation on the ground.

Also in this episode, the U.S. made more than a hundred space launches last year, but the Artemis moon missions have suffered a string of setbacks and delays. Christiane asks NASA number two Pam Melroy, who is one of only two women to command a space shuttle, if America is falling behind its rivals in the race to return to the moon. 

In the Amanpour Archive this week, we show you how Israeli settlements have long been problematic in the path to peace. And in Ask Amanpour, Christiane fields a question about the danger of the war in Ukraine losing the world’s attention.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices