Renowned turtle activist killed in Israeli strike in Lebanon

Mona Khalil, a prominent Lebanese environmental activist and dedicated protector of sea turtles, has died following injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon. Khalil, 76, had spent more than 25 years transforming a stretch of the southern coast into one of the most important nesting sites for endangered sea turtles in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Khalil passed away in a hospital after rockets struck her home near the city of Tyre. She had devoted her life to safeguarding loggerhead and green sea turtles that nest along Lebanon's southern shores. An animal and nature lover, Khalil lived in the Netherlands during Lebanon's civil war but returned to her homeland. Inspired by a nesting turtle she witnessed one night, she committed herself to protecting the species, which she learned was highly endangered.

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She barricaded herself in the house, did not receive visitors, believing that she was safe as a civilian.

What began as a small guesthouse evolved into a center for environmental education, wildlife conservation, and research, attracting volunteers globally. Despite the escalating conflict in the region, Khalil remained steadfast in her commitment. Her home had been damaged in the 2006 conflict between Israel and Lebanon, yet she refused to abandon the beaches she worked to protect.

"She barricaded herself in the house, did not receive visitors, believing that she was safe as a civilian," a friend, Maha Joumaa, told local media. Khalil's legacy extends beyond turtle conservation; she inspired countless individuals to care for these creatures. Paul Abi Rached, president of an environmental organization, stated that Khalil's efforts helped secure protected status for parts of the southern Lebanese coast, a crucial area for marine wildlife. Her dedication ensured the beaches remained a sanctuary, even amidst ongoing conflict.

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Her legacy is rich – she not only protected turtles but also inspired people to care for them.