Renowned Lebanese turtle conservationist succumbs to wounds sustained in Israeli strike
Mona Khalil, a marine biologist and founder of the Orange House Project, died from injuries sustained in an Israeli strike on her home in southern Lebanon. She spent decades protecting endangered sea turtles in the eastern Mediterranean. Mourners have gathered in Beirut to honor her legacy.
What changed
New details emerge regarding Khalil's birth in Nigeria, her time in the Netherlands, and conflicting reports on her exact date of death.
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Lebanese Conservationist Mona Khalil Dies After Israeli Strike
confidence 90%Mona Khalil, a marine biologist and founder of the Orange House Project, died from injuries sustained in an Israeli strike on her home in southern Lebanon. She spent decades protecting endangered sea turtles in the eastern Mediterranean. Mourners have gathered in Beirut to honor her legacy.
What's confirmed:
- Mona Khalil was a Lebanese conservationist and biologist specializing in endangered sea turtles.
- Khalil died from injuries caused by an Israeli strike on her home in southern Lebanon near Tyre.
- Khalil founded the Orange House Project in al-Mansouri to protect sea turtles.
- Mourners gathered in Beirut to pay their respects to Khalil.
- Khalil was born in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Khalil lived in the Netherlands for over 10 years and worked restoring porcelain for a museum.
Still unconfirmed:
- Mona Khalil died on 19 June 2026.
- Mona Khalil died on 20 June 2026.
- Mona Khalil was 77 years old.
- Mona Khalil was 76 years old.
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Lebanese Turtle Conservationist Mona Khalil Dies After Israeli Strike
confidence 100%Mona Khalil, a 76-year-old conservationist and founder of the Orange House Project, died on 20 June after an Israeli strike on her home in Mansouri. She spent over two decades protecting endangered sea turtle nesting sites in southern Lebanon. Mourners have since gathered in Beirut to pay their respects.
What's confirmed:
- Mona Khalil was 76 years old.
- Khalil founded a sea turtle sanctuary near Tyre and the Orange House Project.
- Khalil died on 20 June from wounds sustained in an Israeli strike on her home in Mansouri.
- The IDF stated Khalil was not a target but acknowledged strikes in the area following an evacuation warning.
- Khalil spent more than 20 years protecting endangered turtle species in southern Lebanon.
Still unconfirmed:
- Rami Khashab claimed the strike was an attempt to kill the hope of the Lebanese people.
- Khalil had refused to leave the beach she protected prior to the strike.