Lebanese conservationist dies after Israeli airstrike on her home
8 reported
Lebanese conservationist Mona Khalil, 76, died Friday after an Israeli airstrike hit her beachside home two weeks ago, according to a volunteer with the conservation effort she began. Khalil is credited with creating a movement in southern Lebanon that protected sea turtle nesting grounds and the Mediterranean coast. Her housekeeper, who is Ethiopian, sustained less-severe injuries in the attack, Khalil's relatives said. The Israeli military said last week in response to an NPR query that it had no indication it had hit the house but was reviewing its records. Israel has invaded southern Lebanon and is attacking what it says are Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure. The Lebanese health ministry says more than 4,000 people have been killed since the war began on March 2, including at least 600 women and children. Israel says 35 soldiers and a military contractor, along with two civilians, have been killed in Hezbollah attacks.
What’s reported
Mona Khalil, 76, died Friday after an Israeli airstrike hit her beachside home two weeks ago.
Her housekeeper, who is Ethiopian, sustained less-severe injuries in the attack.
The Israeli military said it had no indication it had hit the house but was reviewing its records.
Israel has invaded southern Lebanon and is attacking what it says are Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure.
The Lebanese health ministry says more than 4,000 people have been killed since the war began on March 2, including at least 600 women and children.
Israel says 35 soldiers and a military contractor, along with two civilians, have been killed in Hezbollah attacks.
Khalil trained a generation of volunteers in ecological conservation, protecting the Mediterranean coastline and endangered sea turtles.
The environmental group Green Southerners called for those responsible for the killings of Khalil and other civilians to be held accountable.
Key figures
Mona Khalil, Lebanese conservationist, deceased
Fadia Joumaa, former volunteer who took over the turtle conservation effort
Rami Khachab, herpetologist originally from al-Mansouri
Green Southerners, environmental group
Sources: NPR
