The death of American activist Rachel Corrie was ruled an accident on Tuesday by an Israeli court . Corrie was crushed to death by an army bulldozer during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in 2003.
After her death Corrie’s family sued, claiming that the Israeli military intentionally killed their daughter as she protested in Gaza.
In issuing the courts decision judge Oded Gershon said the incident was a “regrettable accident.” Judge Gershon said the incident was protected because it occurred during a war-time situation.
The judge then added:
“I reject the suit. There is no justification to demand the state pay any damages.”
The courts decision also notes that the Israel military attempted to remove protesters from the area peacefully, warning them of potential dangers. According to Gershon:
“She (Corrie) did not distance herself from the area, as any thinking person would have done.”
After the verdict was read Corrie’s mother, Cindy, said she was “hurt” by the courts decision.
Cindy added:
“Rachel was in Gaza because there were and are civilians there, those who have rights and deserve protection. Rachel’s right to life and dignity were violated by the actions of the Israeli military.”
Corrie was working with a group of international activists who were acting as human shields in an attempt to stop the demolition of Palestinian houses.
Protesters standing alongside Rachel Corrie said the bulldozer driver had to have seen her given her position on top of a rubble pile. US officials have criticized the Rachel Corrie case for a lack of thorough investigation by Israeli officials.
