Lebanese marine conservationist Mona Khalil dies after Israeli strike on coastal home

Mona Khalil, a veteran Lebanese conservationist, died on Friday after an Israeli airstrike struck the beachside home she shared with her housekeeper near al-Mansouri beach outside Tyre. The Ethiopian housekeeper suffered less-severe injuries, according to Khalil’s relatives.

Khalil, 76, was widely recognized for establishing a community-based movement that safeguards green and loggerhead sea-turtle nesting sites along Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast. She trained generations of volunteers, organized nightly nest monitoring, and helped hatchlings reach the sea, actions that have become a model for coastal conservation in the region.

“Through the Orange House, she inspired generations of Lebanese to value and protect their natural heritage and coastal ecosystems,” said a spokesperson for the environmental group Green Southerners.

The Israeli military said it had no indication that its operations had struck the house and was reviewing its records, but did not specify a timeline for the review. Israel has been conducting operations in southern Lebanon against what it describes as Iran-backed Hezbollah forces.

Former volunteer and journalist Fadia Joumaa, who later led the turtle-conservation program, said Khalil had decided to remain in her home during the fighting, believing her civilian status would keep her safe. Khalil retired in 2020, having turned the “Orange House” into an ecotourism guesthouse and educational center for children.

Her work also included campaigns that led to the official recognition of the nesting area as a community-managed conservation zone and contributed to a ban on dynamite fishing.

The Lebanese health ministry reports more than 4,000 deaths since the conflict began on March 2, including at least 600 women and children.