Greg Dixon

Violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is increasing. We hear from Palestinians there who are watching events in Gaza with concern. And we hear about the past and current efforts to get Palestinians a state of their own.

In European Parliamentary elections, 27 countries went to the polls and handed right-wing parties big gains. And in a surprising move, the president of France dissolved the country's parliament and called elections for the summer. We'll hear analysis of what this means for Europe and reaction from stunned French voters.

Israel has expanded its military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This comes after an Israeli airstrike on Sunday near a displaced persons camp started a fire killing at least 45 people and injuring hundreds more. We hear details from our correspondent in Tel Aviv.

For more coverage of all sides of this conflict, go to npr.org/mideastupdates

Iran laid the body of President Ebrahim Raisi to rest, after he died in a helicopter crash. Though thousands attended funeral ceremonies, we hear from Iranians who say he won't be remembered fondly.

And in South Korea, a propaganda video from North Korea is banned after it goes viral on TikTok.

After a long decline of the government in Haiti, gangs have seized complete control. A multi-national force is being sent to Haiti to restore the government to power, but their success is not assured. We go to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to see the challenges this international mission will face.

A new president in Taiwan was inaugurated this week. Lai Ching-te will now lead a Taiwan that is divided politically on many issues, including on how to confront China. We'll hear from our correspondent in Taipei and from some young Taiwanese preparing for mandatory military service.

The tense China relationship and Hong Kong protests are big issues for Taiwan as it prepares to vote in January.

The arrival of several Hong Kong protesters has revived debate over whether Taiwan can or should accept Chinese citizens seeking safety. Taiwan has no asylum laws and attempts to pass one have failed.

Once Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn became famous as Sylvan Esso, they immediately felt the burdens of replicating their success. Three years after their electro-pop debut, they're back with What Now.

MacArthur Park in Los Angeles is not the most picturesque location, but it is where the California Ghetto Carping Club caught a 50 pound carp this week.