Palestinians in historic town face Israeli gentrification threat

Palestinians say the neglect of the ‘jewel in the crown’ of an ancient port is a symbol of how they are being squeezed out as rich Israelis and tourists move in.

Some say its an architectural “jewel in the crown” of an ancient port in Israel. But the Khan al-Umdan – in the old city of Acre – has been neglected to the point of near collapse.

Despite the gentrification of Acre and the money being lavished on the city, Khan al-Umdan is a crumbling shell, ruled too dangerous to enter.

Palestinians say the 18th-century centre for sailors is a symbol of how they are being squeezed out as rich Israelis and tourists move in.

Al Jazeera’s Harry Fawcett reports from Acre.