An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon has killed Mona Khalil, a prominent conservationist known for her work protecting endangered sea turtles, the Lebanese health ministry confirmed. The United Kingdom condemned the strike, calling for restraint and a full investigation.
Khalil, 52, was in her home in the village of Naqoura when the strike occurred late Tuesday. She was the founder of the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, a key nesting site for the loggerhead and green turtles. Her work had drawn international recognition, including a UN Environment Programme award in 2019.
The Israeli military said it was targeting a Hezbollah weapons depot in the area. A spokesman described Khalil's death as a tragic accident, adding that the military regrets civilian casualties. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group, denied storing weapons in the vicinity.
The UK Foreign Office issued a statement expressing deep concern over civilian deaths and urging all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law. A spokesman said: "We condemn this strike and call for an immediate investigation. The killing of a civilian engaged in vital environmental work is unacceptable."
The incident threatens to escalate tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, where cross-border exchanges have intensified in recent weeks. Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati described the strike as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and demanded international intervention.
Khalil's colleagues mourned her passing. Dr. Rania Masri, a Beirut-based ecologist, said: "Mona was not just a conservationist; she was a symbol of peaceful stewardship of our land and sea. Her loss is devastating."
Khalil's body was recovered from the rubble early Wednesday. Relatives said she had refused to evacuate despite previous Israeli warnings, believing her presence would deter attacks on the nature reserve. The rescue effort was complicated by ongoing bombardment in the area.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) called for de-escalation, warning that the conflict risks engulfing the entire region. A UNIFIL spokesperson said: "The protection of civilians, including those dedicated to protecting the environment, must be paramount."
Khalil's death has drawn condemnation from environmental groups worldwide. The World Wildlife Fund issued a statement calling for the protection of conservationists in conflict zones.
The incident occurred against a backdrop of heightened hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides engaging in tit-for-tat strikes since October. The border region has seen the displacement of tens of thousands of civilians on both sides.
In response to the UK's condemnation, the Israeli embassy in London issued a statement expressing regret for Khalil's death but reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hezbollah's attacks. The embassy said: "Israel takes every precaution to avoid civilian harm, but Hezbollah's deliberate embedding of military assets in civilian areas makes such tragedies inevitable."
Lebanese activists plan to hold a vigil for Khalil on Thursday in Beirut. They hope her death will draw attention to the broader environmental toll of the conflict.
The Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, a Ramsar wetland site, is now threatened by the fighting. Volunteers fear it will be abandoned without Khalil's leadership.
The UK Foreign Office is expected to raise the issue at the UN Security Council. A diplomatic source indicated that Britain is pushing for a humanitarian pause to allow access to the nature reserve.
Khalil's death underscores the collateral damage in a conflict where environmental defenders are increasingly caught in the crossfire.