Lebanese marine conservationist Mona Khalil, celebrated nationwide for her extended campaign to preserve a turtle nesting beach near her residence, has died from wounds received in an Israeli attack.

At age 76, Khalil managed the Orange House Project sanctuary near the Mediterranean city of Tyre. She housed volunteers who maintained and observed a mile-long shoreline while inviting guests to participate in and learn about protection efforts.

An Israeli airstrike struck her home earlier this month, leaving Khalil critically injured. She was taken to intensive care in Beirut and passed away on Friday, according to associates. Her Ethiopian assistant suffered burns but is recovering.

Khalil moved to the Netherlands during Lebanon's civil war spanning 1975-90. She returned to her family property in 1999 and one evening came across a turtle preparing a nest in the sand.

She painted the residence orange to reflect the national shade of the Netherlands, which had provided her shelter in hard times, and began a conservation and ecotourism program for loggerhead and green sea turtles nesting along Lebanon's southern coast.

International visitors needed approval from Lebanese military officials because the guesthouse stood on land repeatedly invaded and occupied by Israel. Approved guests enjoyed her pleasant home with its flower-filled courtyard often occupied by rescued pets, a short distance through banana plantations to the shore.

Common power interruptions and absence of air conditioning prompted some negative online feedback, though most reviews were positive since Khalil offered a rare chance to see and aid hatching turtles while supporting their protection.

Khalil's conservation work initially faced resistance from some residents, including developers and fishers using dynamite methods that she helped end. Her house was also damaged by Israeli shelling in the 2006 war with Hezbollah.

Despite ongoing Israeli incursions, Khalil stayed in her home. In a 2017 interview she affirmed her continued dedication to turtle protection, stating she would persist as long as she had life.

The Lebanese wildlife group Green Southerners expressed grief over the loss of an environmental advocate who inspired many Lebanese to appreciate and defend their natural surroundings.

Her initiatives established her as one of Lebanon's leading advocates for marine conservation and biodiversity protection, the group stated.

Green Southerners condemned the strike on a location long associated with environmental work and public education, noting the heavy cost to civilians, defenders, and natural heritage.

Live Love Beirut, an environment-oriented social enterprise, said Khalil will be honored through her remarkable achievements.

They described her life as generous and meaningful, adding that she may rest peacefully and that the projects she valued may endure for years ahead.