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Acre, Israel: Historical City Faces Tourism Decline Amid Regional Conflicts

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Acre (Akko), located in northwest Israel, is recognized as one of the longest continually inhabited cities in the Middle East, featuring multiple layers of historical development. The city's ancient origins include the Hospitaller Fortress, which provides an immersive experience depicting life during the Crusades through projected visuals of the Knights Hospitaller. The museum within the fortress chronicles the various civilizations that have resided in Acre over centuries.

Adjacent to the fortress is the Al-Jazzar Mosque, which houses a reliquary believed to contain a hair from the Prophet Muhammad. The old city's narrow streets extend onto a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea.

Currently, Acre is experiencing reduced activity. Tourism has ceased due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and rocket attacks from Lebanon targeting northern Israel. Acre is characterized as a diverse city, with residents from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i communities, and possesses a significant historical legacy. The city anticipates the resumption of tourism.