A Lebanese wildlife conservationist, renowned for decades of work protecting endangered sea turtles along the country's coastline, has been killed by an Israeli airstrike. The death has prompted British environmental organisations to call for an independent investigation into the incident, which took place on Tuesday near the port city of Tyre.
Dr. Sami al-Hassan, 58, a marine biologist and founder of the Lebanese Sea Turtle Protection Society, was killed when an Israeli missile struck his vehicle as he was returning from a monitoring expedition on a protected beach. The area is known for its nesting grounds for the critically endangered loggerhead and green turtles, which al-Hassan had dedicated his life to preserving.
Israeli authorities have not commented on the specific strike, but the region has seen an uptick in military operations in recent weeks. The Israeli Defense Forces stated they are reviewing the incident, though they maintain that operations are conducted with precision to avoid civilian casualties.
British environmental groups, including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Marine Conservation Society, have expressed outrage. In a joint statement, they called for a transparent and thorough investigation, citing the 'egregious violation' of international humanitarian law that shields environmental defenders. 'Dr. al-Hassan was not a combatant. He was a guardian of our shared natural heritage,' said Emily Fowler, director of the UK-based Green Action Trust. 'This killing must be met with accountability.'
The loss has sent shockwaves through the conservation community. On social media, colleagues described al-Hassan as a tireless advocate whose work was instrumental in establishing marine protected areas along Lebanon's coast. 'He taught us that saving turtles was about more than just animals, it was about the health of our entire ecosystem,' tweeted Layla Moussa, a former student. 'Now his voice is silenced by war.'
The incident highlights the escalating danger faced by environmentalists in conflict zones. According to the nonprofit Global Witness, at least 227 environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2023, with the highest numbers occurring in countries experiencing armed conflict. 'When the rule of law collapses, those fighting for the planet become targets,' said Dr. James Thornton, a conflict ecologist at the University of Cambridge. 'International protections for these individuals are woefully inadequate.'
The British groups have urged the UK Foreign Office to press Israel for access to evidence and to support a United Nations-led investigation. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said they are 'deeply concerned' and are seeking further information from Israeli authorities.
Meanwhile, the conservation work al-Hassan championed now hangs in the balance. His organisation has suspended operations indefinitely, fearing further attacks. The next nesting season is just months away. Without his leadership, the survival of these ancient mariners grows more precarious. As the world races to meet biodiversity targets, the death of one man in Tyre may echo far beyond the shores of the Mediterranean.