Rachel Corrie’s death a ‘regrettable accident’

Israeli court rules American activist’s death as an accident after she is run down by army bulldozer

An Israeli court has ruled the death of Rachel Corrie as a ‘regrettable accident’ following her death in 2003.

The 23-year-old American activist was crushed to death by an army bulldozer in the Gaza Strip, as she attempted to oppose the military demolition of Palestinian homes.

Rachel Corrie’s parents’ lawsuit against the military was rejected, with Judge Oded Gershon ruling her death as a ‘regrettable accident’.

He explained that the blame could not be placed on the army, as the incident had occurred during a war-time situation.

He added that she had, ‘put herself in a dangerous situation,’ after having been given warnings to leave.

At the time of the incident, friends said Rachel had been standing on a mound of earth when the bulldozer advanced, but the force of the ground moving caused her to loose her footing. Wearing a bright orange vest, they said Rachel had shouted to the driver to stop, but he said he didn’t see her.

The family’s lawyer, Hussein Abu Hussein, said the verdict contradicted ‘the fundamental principles of international law with regard to protection of human rights defenders.’

‘Rachel Corrie was killed while non-violently protesting home demolitions and injustice in Gaza, and today, this court has given its stamp of approval to flawed and illegal practices that failed to protect civilian life,’ he said.

Her story has been re-told in the book ‘Let Me Stand Alone,’ and through on-stage dramatisations across the globe.

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