UN Takes Stand Against Armed Fighters, Suspends Services in Largest Palestinian Refugee Camp as Clashes Erupt

A United Nations agency has taken a stand against the presence of armed fighters around its facilities in the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has suspended services at the Ein el-Hilweh camp in protest.

The move comes after deadly clashes broke out at the camp last month, following an attempt to assassinate a leader of the Palestinian political faction Fatah. The agency emphasized the importance of protecting its installations and ensuring the safety of the schools within the camp, which are unlikely to be available for the 3,200 children at the start of the new school year.

The camp is home to over 63,000 Palestinian refugees and their descendants who were forcibly displaced in 1948. UNRWA has called on armed actors to vacate its facilities and allow the delivery of much-needed assistance to the refugees. In other news, the Algerian oasis of Djanet is attracting visitors from around the world who are captivated by its spectacular landscape.

Located deep in the Sahara Desert, Djanet offers a unique experience that makes visitors feel like they've been transported to another planet. The area is known for its Martian or lunar-like terrain, with only the blue sky giving away its earthly origin. The oasis is surrounded by sand dunes and sandstone plateaus and is home to some of the world's most impressive prehistoric rock carvings.

The attraction of its unique landscape and the granting of visas on arrival have led to a mini tourism boom in the region, with a significant increase in the number of foreigners visiting Djanet.

The nearby Tassili n'Ajjer National Park, Africa's largest, is also a draw for visitors, especially photographers who capture the stunning sunset over its eroded sandstone formations.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the park is home to over 15,000 examples of prehistoric cave art, documenting the region's climatic changes, animal migrations, and the evolution of human life. Both foreigners and Algerians find solace and rejuvenation in Djanet, with locals seeking inner peace and relaxation, and foreigners returning for the unique experience the oasis offers.

Overall, these news stories highlight both the challenges and the allure of different parts of the world. The conflict in the Palestinian refugee camp underscores the importance of protecting humanitarian facilities and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations. On the other hand, the popularity of Djanet as a tourist destination showcases the beauty and significance of natural and cultural treasures, attracting visitors from far and wide.