The occupation and destruction of the Palestinian village of Tantura in May 1948 by Israeli forces are described in detail. The village, home to about 1,500 people, was one of the last Arab communities on the coast when Israel was established. Testimonies from survivors and historical evidence, including aerial images and military maps, reveal accounts of massacres, forced expulsions, and the systematic clearing of the village. Men were reportedly executed, and women and children were expelled, with estimates of those killed ranging from 20 to 280. Using a combination of survivor testimonies, ground-level photographs, and 3D modeling, researchers have identified sites believed to be mass graves, some of which have since been repurposed or concealed.
Over the years, the remnants of Tantura were erased, with Jewish settlements and tourist facilities built on the land. Mass graves were found in areas now covered by parking lots, promenades, and resort spaces. Evidence of these graves, such as earth mounds seen in aerial images, aligns with testimonies describing the burial of executed villagers. Despite these attempts to erase history, the survivors and the land continue to bear witness to the events of 1948. The importance of preserving this memory and recognizing the suffering endured by the people of Tantura is emphasized.