Bangladesh further urged Israel to end its illegal occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, respect international humanitarian law, and immediately cease its genocidal war and humanitarian blockade in Gaza. The much-needed humanitarian aid flotilla represents the global solidarity with the occupied Palestinian people, said the foreign ministry.  “Israel must allow its unhindered access to Gaza, where the civilian population continues to be denied their fundamental rights to life, dignity, and livelihood by the occupying Israeli forces,” said the statement. 

The Government and people of Bangladesh stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine in this hour of grave distress and continued suffering, it added.

As foreign visitors flock to Sicily, last year Brother Mauro Billetta, head of the parish in the Danisinni neighbourhood, decided that revenue from B&B guests could help lift the area out of decades of neglect. Two months ago he also opened a cafe at the farmhouse, overlooking the vegetable garden.

"That was our main goal from the start: to open up this part of the city, and also to tourists," said Mauro, sitting in his brown robes in his office at the parish church.

While residents in Rome, Florence and Venice have staged protests, complaining of overcrowded streets and housing shortages due to rising holiday rentals, it's a different story in poorer southern Italy. In Sicily and other parts the tourism boom is helping make some neighbourhoods safer and bringing much needed cash to deprived areas, although residents see risks ahead if it is not controlled.

Danisinni is walking distance from Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace, two of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Sicilian capital, which welcomed over 800,000 visitors in 2023, up 16% from 2022.

"Our houses became more valuable and some of the businesses that opened in recent years, like the restaurants, are good for the residents as well," said Aurelio Cagnina, while walking his dog near his home by Palermo's ancient port of La Cala.

However, some city residents are starting to complain that local authorities are failing to regulate the tourist boom. Short-term rentals are on the rise - more than 180,000 of Palermo's visitors in 2023 stayed in non-hotel accommodation, up 44 percent from 2019, official data shows - and residents say the growing night life has brought an increase in drug dealing.

"The lack of intervention is setting the stage for irreversible transformations. The so-called 'showcase' historic centre is what is happening," Palermo resident Massimo Castiglia said. He reflects fears voiced by residents in Florence and Venice that their city centres will become amusement parks as locals are priced out by visitors.

PRESERVATION STRATEGY

A rebound in air travel after the pandemic and more low-cost direct flights have led to a surge in visitor numbers to Europe's tourism hot spots, causing friction in parts of Spain and elsewhere, not just Italy - where tourism accounts for more than 10 percent of gross domestic product.

Spending by foreign visitors in Italy rose 19 percent in 2023 to a record 51.4 billion euros ($57.56 billion), according to The World Travel & Tourism Council's latest data.

Sicily drew 5.5 million tourists in 2023, up 14.5 percent on 2022, according to local government data, and more than the island's resident population of 4.8 million.

"There is no risk of overtourism. The idea that the historical areas will become a desert, sold out to short-term rentals does not exist in Palermo at present," said Alessandro Anello, councillor responsible for tourism in Palermo.

Yet he acknowledged a strategy was needed to preserve the city's character. The municipality was considering building student quarters in the city centre, he said, and last month it passed rules to prevent the opening of more mini food markets for the next 18 months.

"Otherwise, there would be a risk that it becomes an open-air street food market," Anello said.

REVAMPED IMAGE

Tourism has helped Palermo to revamp its image after difficult decades that long overshadowed its beauty.

Memorial plaques in honour of the victims of the Cosa Nostra Mafia wars of the 1980s and 1990s are scattered across the city, sometimes hidden among shiny shop windows or restaurants serving typical Sicilian food.

A car bomb exploded in 1983 in a residential street near the elegant Viale della Liberta boulevard, killing anti-mafia magistrate Rocco Chinnici, two police officers escorting him and the doorman of the building where he lived.

Claudia Lombardo, who rents apartments to tourists with her daughter a few metres from the site, believes much has changed since then.

"There is a different air, a more open mentality, and I believe the opportunity to interact with tourists has helped a lot," she said.

These elegant stilts are just one of over 330 bird species found across the wetlands of Kalloni and other parts of Lesbos. Since the 1990s, this biodiversity has transformed the island into one of Europe's most beloved birdwatching destinations.

“We have some very special resident birds here,” says Eleni Galinou, a local environmental scientist and bird guide. “Species like the Cinereous Bunting, Kruper's Nuthatch, and the Masked Shrike breed on the island and are especially popular with visitors.”

Spring, however, is the peak season—when migratory birds steal the spotlight.

Nestled at the intersection of Africa, Europe, and Asia, Lesbos provides a vital resting and feeding ground for around 200 migratory bird species traveling north from Africa via the eastern Mediterranean. From elusive crakes to majestic pelicans, it’s a unique spectacle for bird lovers.

“Many of us have long dreamed of coming to Lesbos because of its reputation for spring migration,” says 73-year-old Ian Wordeyn, one of many visiting birdwatchers.

For others, like 79-year-old Maureen Greer, the joy lies not just in the sightings but in the experience itself. “It’s so peaceful. Just being out in nature, in the countryside, looking for birds—it’s incredibly relaxing.”

Still, birdwatching often depends on patience and luck. “Wildlife is unpredictable,” Wordeyn reflects. “Sometimes you’re lucky, and when you are, it’s truly magical.”

According to a media statement released Saturday, the brunch draws inspiration from Chef Cristiano’s heritage, offering a fusion of authentic Italian flavors and contemporary presentation—all set against the chic and vibrant ambiance of Le Méridien.

The launch event welcomed HE Antonio Alessandro, along with distinguished guests, members of the media, and influencers, who enjoyed the refined Italian offerings and sophisticated décor that evoke the charm of Italian dining.

Guests can savour a wide range of classic regional dishes, including Pesce alla Palermitana (Palermo-style fish), Risotto ai Frutti di Mare (Seafood Risotto), Straccetti alla Veneziana (Venetian-style Beef Strips), Pollo Alla Romana (Roman Chicken Stew with Bell Peppers), and Parmigiana di Melanzane (Eggplant Parmigiana), with culinary influences drawn from Milan, Rome, Venice, and Sicily.

“We are thrilled to bring our guests a slice of Italy right here in Dhaka, where tradition meets innovation in every dish,” said Constantinos S Gavriel, General Manager of Le Méridien Dhaka. “Chef Cristiano, who has led our fine-dining Italian restaurant Favola for nearly two years, continues to captivate with his exceptional skill and passion for Italian cuisine. His talent inspired this new themed brunch concept.”

The brunch offers a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere, featuring live cooking stations, a pasta corner, artisanal pizzas, a vibrant risotto section, and decadent desserts—crafted to appeal to a wide range of palates.

Priced at Tk 6,999 per person, Cristiano’s Italian Brunch also includes Buy 1 Get 1 and Buy 1 Get 2 offers on select bank cards. A special family package for four is available at Tk 9,900.

Advance reservation is required to indulge in this authentic Italian brunch experience, the hotel added.

Colored & Gradient Lenses with Gold Frames

The standout trend of the season. Think sunset-inspired hues and subtle gradients set in luxe gold frames. These shades bring a touch of glamour while offering full UV protection. Style them with flowy maxi dresses, denim layers, or beach-ready outfits for an effortlessly chic look.

Oversized Square Frames

Big, bold, and beautiful—oversized square sunglasses are back with a vengeance. Not only do they serve up serious style, but they also provide excellent sun coverage. Ideal for everything from poolside lounging to outdoor brunch dates.

Retro Round Frames

Channel a throwback vibe with round frames that nod to vintage cool. Whether you’re rocking a boho-chic maxi or fringe details, these frames add a playful, free-spirited touch to your summer wardrobe.

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Feminine and fierce, cat-eye frames are as flattering as they are fashionable. Go for winged silhouettes or crystal accents for extra drama. Pair them with tailored blazers, sleek dresses, or statement earrings for a bold yet polished look.

Sporty Wraparound Shades

The ultimate fusion of performance and style. Perfect for active summer days, wraparound sunglasses look especially sharp with streetwear, athleisure, or resort-chic ensembles. Functional never looked so good.

Neon Frames & Mirrored Lenses

For the bold at heart, neon frames and mirrored lenses offer a futuristic, trendsetting flair. These shades are perfect for adding a pop of color and edge to your festival, beach, or party look.

Clear & Transparent Frames

Minimalist meets modern. Transparent frames in soft tones like lavender, mint, and nude bring a cool, clean finish to any outfit. Pair with pastel pieces or neutral palettes for a subtle yet stylish summer vibe.

Style Tip: For a cohesive look, match your sunglasses with accessories—bags, shoes, or even earrings. Coordinated colors instantly elevate your outfit.

The tree, located in a natural dip alongside Hadrian’s Wall in northern England, was famously featured in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Its dramatic setting made it a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and romantics alike. Its sudden felling in September 2023 sparked nationwide grief and outrage.

On Friday, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, guilty of two counts of criminal damage. Prosecutors described their actions as a “moronic mission,” saying the men deliberately brought the tree down using a chainsaw. In doing so, they also damaged a section of Hadrian’s Wall, a 2,000-year-old Roman structure and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite initially denying involvement, the pair were undone by video footage found on Graham’s phone showing the act in progress, and by messages where they appeared to gloat over the global attention the incident had attracted. Prosecutors revealed that the men even took a wedge of the tree as a souvenir, though no motive has ever been explained.

Graham and Carruthers, both from the Carlisle area about 25 miles from the site in Northumberland National Park, are due to be sentenced on July 15.

“For over a century, Sycamore Gap has been an iconic natural landmark in the northeast of England, bringing immeasurable joy to those visiting the area,” said Chief Crown Prosecutor Gale Gilchrist. “In just under three minutes, Graham and Carruthers ended its historic legacy in a deliberate and mindless act of destruction.”

In a glimmer of hope, the National Trust, which manages the site, said last year that new growth had been spotted at the base of the felled tree, offering the possibility that the Sycamore Gap might one day live on.

The cushion-cut gem, mined in South Africa, boasts a rare and vibrant “fancy vivid blue” color, making it one of the most coveted stones in the world, Sotheby’s revealed during a presentation to the press on Thursday.

“The market for colored diamonds continues to grow stronger,” said Jessica Wyndham of Sotheby’s, emphasizing the increasing demand for exceptional gemstones.

This sale follows a record-breaking 2016 auction in Geneva, where a vivid blue diamond sold for 56.8 million Swiss francs (approximately $68.7 million) at Christie’s.

The Mediterranean Blue Diamond will be part of Sotheby’s high jewellery collection, showcased alongside other colored gems ahead of the live auction scheduled for May 13 at Geneva’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Spanning his nearly 100-year lifetime, Attenborough chronicles the challenges facing the seas—from destructive industrial fishing to widespread coral reef bleaching. “After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea,” he says in the film’s trailer.

The full cinematic release is scheduled for Thursday, coinciding with Attenborough’s 99th birthday.

Enric Sala, executive producer of Ocean and founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas, reflects on Attenborough’s enduring influence: “When David Attenborough started, there were only two TV channels and everyone knew him as the voice of nature. Now there are hundreds of channels and social media platforms, yet he remains the definitive voice for nature.”

The London premiere will feature a star-studded evening event on a striking blue carpet, as well as daytime screenings for students and teachers. Sala hopes these young audiences will feel inspired to carry Attenborough’s legacy forward. “We want them to aspire to be the David Attenboroughs of the future,” he said.

Though the film portrays the oceans’ fragile state, it also celebrates discoveries made during filming that offer real hope. “The ocean can recover faster than we ever imagined. It can bounce back to life,” Attenborough affirms. “If we save the sea, we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet, I’m sure nothing is more important.”

Ocean arrives ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in June, where global leaders aim to secure more commitments to a 2023 agreement on protecting ocean biodiversity—a treaty that still requires enough signatories to come into effect.