Key facts
- Mona Khalil, a 76-year-old Lebanese marine activist, died from injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike.
- Khalil was known for her decades-long effort to protect a nesting site for loggerhead and green sea turtles near Tyre.
- She ran a sanctuary called the Orange House Project, which also served as a bed and breakfast for volunteers and tourists.
- Her house was hit by an Israeli airstrike earlier this month, causing severe injuries.
- Her death was confirmed on Friday, with her assistant also injured in the attack.
Mona Khalil, a 76-year-old Lebanese marine activist celebrated for her extensive work in protecting sea turtles, has died following injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike. Khalil ran the Orange House Project, a sanctuary located near the Mediterranean city of Tyre, where she dedicated decades to monitoring and safeguarding a mile-long beach crucial for loggerhead and green sea turtle nesting.
An Israeli airstrike earlier this month severely wounded Khalil at her home, which also served as a base for volunteers and welcomed tourists interested in conservation. She was transferred to intensive care in Beirut, where she passed away on Friday. Her assistant sustained burns but is reportedly recovering.