For today, links to reports from Reuters, National Public Radio, and the Associated Press; others are accessible by clicking on their names and initials below. (UKRAINE entry for this date is HERE.) — MCM   

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Israel strikes landmark residential tower in southern Rafah as truce talks stall, by Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Bassam Masoud | Reuters  CAIRO / RAFAH, Gaza — Israel struck one of the largest residential towers in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip today, residents said, stepping up pressure on the last area of the enclave it has not yet invaded and where over a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering. The 12-floor . . . READ MORE . . .

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Ceasefire talks stall even as conditions in Gaza worsen. Reported by Scott Simon and Fatma Tanis | NPR  As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches, and ceasefire talks stall, there are increasing fears of worsening conditions in Gaza. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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How the U.S. military is scrambling to build a floating dock for urgently needed aid to Gaza, by Lolita C. Baldor and Tara Copp | AP  WASHINGTON — Even before President Joe Biden announced in his State of the Union address the plans for providing aid to Gaza by sea, the Army’s 7th Transportation Brigade and other units were scrambling to pull equipment together. They received their orders . . . READ MORE . . .

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FROM MARCH 8  After a week of negotiation, Gaza ceasefire is unlikely before Ramadan. Reported by Kai McNamee, Patrick Jarenwattananon and Ailsa Chang | NPR  NPR’s Ailsa Chang talks with Khaled Elgindy, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute where he directs the Program on Palestine and Palestinian Affairs, about the status of Gaza ceasefire talks. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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MARCH 8  Amid mass killings and hunger in Gaza, Ramadan takes on a new meaning for Muslims. Reported by Linah Mohammad, Patrick Jarenwattananon and Ari Shapiro | NPR  Ramadan is approaching at a challenging time for Muslims worldwide as they watch atrocities unfold in Gaza. Imam Omar Suleiman talks with Ari Shapiro about how to approach Ramadan this year. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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FROM MARCH 8  This Gaza bakery is making cakes for Palestinians trying celebrate life amid war. Reported by Anas Babas | NPR  A professional bakery in Gaza has reopened, using solar panels for refrigeration and flour from the black market, to meet the demand of displaced Palestinians seeking cakes to celebrate life amid war. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.