In brief
Mona Khalil, a leading advocate for sea turtle conservation along southern Lebanon’s coast, died following injuries inflicted by an Israeli strike that hit her home near Tyre. The 26‑year‑long effort to safeguard endangered turtle species earned her regional recognition. Her loss magnifies concerns over escalating hostilities in the area and the impact on civilian life. Khalil’s enduring legacy lies in the conservation movement she founded and the generations of turtles that continue to return to the beaches she defended.
The death of 76‑year‑old Mona Khalil, who championed the protection of endangered sea turtles along Lebanon’s southern coast, has been confirmed after she was wounded in an Israeli air strike that struck her home at Mansouri beach near the city of Tyre.
Khalil first became involved in wildlife conservation when she witnessed a green turtle laying eggs on the beach in 1999. The experience spurred her to return from the Netherlands and dedicate herself to preserving the marine habitats and nesting sites, establishing the Orange House project in 2000—a centre that evolved into an eco‑tourism and research hub.
Over two and a half decades she monitored nesting, documented marine life, challenged harmful fishing practices, and pushed for protective measures that saved significant stretches of shoreline. Her unwavering presence on the beach through years of conflict and refurbishing her damaged home during the 2006 war underscored her commitment to the land and its marine life.
After her house was struck during intensified Israeli air strikes two weeks ago, Khalil was hospitalized with injuries that proved fatal a few days later, according to the Lebanese Green Southerners group. Her passing comes amid heightened tensions and fears of renewed violence in the region despite diplomatic desires for peace.
Friends, colleagues, and environmental groups offered tribute, noting that Khalil treated the beach as a person, had a deep connection with the sea, and used her voice to inspire others. Her legacy is said to live on through the conservation movement she built and the continuing return of turtles to Lebanon’s shores.
