22 Years Since Rachel Corrie’s Killing: A Legacy of Solidarity and Resistance


23-year-old Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza in 2003. (Photo: via Social Media)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

22 years ago today, American activist Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer as she tried to stop the demolition of a Palestinian home in Gaza.

On March 16, 2003, American peace activist Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli bulldozer as she tried to stop the demolition of a Palestinian home in the Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza.

Corrie, just 23 years old at the time, was a member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a group dedicated to nonviolent resistance against Israeli occupation. 

She had traveled from her hometown of Olympia, Washington, to the Gaza Strip, where she lived among Palestinian families, documented human rights violations, and stood alongside civilians facing the daily brutality of occupation.

On the day of her death, Corrie acted as a human shield, standing in front of a 60-ton D9 bulldozer, manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. and operated by Israeli forces. 

The bulldozer was preparing to demolish a Palestinian home when it advanced toward her. 

Eyewitnesses say the driver continued forward, crushing Corrie beneath the massive machine. 

Despite desperate calls from fellow activists for the operator to stop, the bulldozer ran her over and then reversed. She was pronounced dead twenty minutes later.

Denial and Impunity

Following the killing, Israel denied responsibility, claiming the incident was an accident. 

The Israeli military accused Corrie and other activists of engaging in illegal activity, absolving the bulldozer operator of any wrongdoing. 

Her family later pursued legal action, but in 2012, an Israeli court ruled that Israel was not liable for her death, dismissing the case.

From USS Liberty to Rachel Corrie: Israel’s Attacks on US You Probably Didn’t Know About

A Voice for Palestine

Born on April 10, 1979, Rachel Corrie was known for her passionate commitment to peace and justice. 

She spent much of her time in Gaza documenting and exposing Israeli human rights violations, often writing essays and sharing photographs that painted a harrowing picture of life under occupation. Her words and actions continue to inspire activists worldwide.

(The Palestine Chronicle)





  • Related Posts

    Israeli Forces Assault Red Crescent Crews amid West Bank Raids
    • March 17, 2025

    Palestinian Red Crescent Society crews operating in the occupied West Bank. (Photo: via PCRS X Page) By Palestine Chronicle Staff   Israeli soldiers beat Red Crescent crews, while Palestinians were…

    Continue reading
    New Restrictions – What You Need to Know About Israel’s New Rules for NGOs in Gaza
    • March 15, 2025

    Israel has decided to block all aid to Gaza. (Photo: via UNRWA) By Palestine Chronicle Staff   Israel’s new visa and registration rules for aid organizations in Gaza and the…

    Continue reading

    Random News

    Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, acquires a generative AI video startup

    • By gonews
    • March 17, 2025
    • 0 views
    Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, acquires a generative AI video startup

    Newcastle United Vs Liverpool Carabao Cup Final Preview

    • By gonews
    • March 17, 2025
    • 0 views

    Israeli Forces Assault Red Crescent Crews amid West Bank Raids

    • By gonews
    • March 17, 2025
    • 0 views
    Israeli Forces Assault Red Crescent Crews amid West Bank Raids

    Computer-programming employment in U.S. falls to lowest since 1980

    • By gonews
    • March 17, 2025
    • 0 views
    Computer-programming employment in U.S. falls to lowest since 1980