Israeli strike kills famed Lebanese turtle sanctuary ecologist

Khalil dedicated over 25 years to safeguarding loggerhead and green sea turtles that nest along Lebanon's southern coast. Her conservation efforts began after a pivotal encounter with a nesting turtle in 1999, leading her to establish the Orange House Project. This initiative, which started as a guesthouse, evolved into a center for environmental education, wildlife protection, and marine research, drawing international volunteers and visitors.

Despite facing years of conflict in southern Lebanon, including damage to her home during the 2006 war, Khalil remained committed to her conservation work. She campaigned against coastal development, pollution, and destructive fishing practices, contributing to protected status for parts of the coastline. Friends and colleagues remembered her deep commitment to conservation and her inspiration to others.

Her death comes amid a broader escalation of Israeli air strikes across southern Lebanon, raising concerns about regional stability. Environmental groups have stated that Khalil's legacy will continue through the conservation movement she fostered and the generations of turtles returning to Lebanon's shores.