Mona Khalil, a beloved Lebanese conservationist known for her work protecting endangered sea turtles, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on her home in Tyre, Lebanon, on Tuesday. The strike, part of escalating hostilities in the region, has drawn condemnation from British environmental charities who called her death a tragic loss for global conservation.
Khalil, 47, spent over two decades monitoring and safeguarding nests of the loggerhead and green turtles along Lebanon's Mediterranean coast. Her work was supported by the UK-based Marine Conservation Society and Fauna and Flora International. Friends described her as a tireless advocate who often worked under dangerous conditions.
The airstrike also killed her husband and two children, according to local authorities. No military targets were nearby, raising questions about the strike's legitimacy. The Israeli Defence Forces declined to comment.
British charities expressed outrage. "Mona was a beacon of hope in a region blighted by conflict. Her death is a profound loss for biodiversity and peace," said Dr. Emily Bancroft, director of the Marine Conservation Society. Fauna and Flora International added: "We are heartbroken. She represented the best of humanity."
Khalil's death has renewed calls for civilian protections in conflict zones. As one local resident said: "She only wanted to save turtles. Now her nest is empty."