Decade After Her Death, US Activist's Case Nears End

It's been almost ten years since a 23-year-old American activist was killed by an Israeli bulldozer—and after 15 hearings, her court case could finally end tomorrow. The family of Rachel Corrie has spent some $200,000 on a civil lawsuit against Israel's military that has dragged on since 2005. They're seeking just a symbolic $1 in the case, plus money to recoup their costs, the AP reports. Corrie, who has become an icon in Gaza, was trying to block Palestinian homes from being destroyed in the area; the bulldozer's driver says he didn't see her. (He, along with his bosses, was cleared of wrongdoing in a military court.)

"We found ourselves in a war of attrition with a state against a family," says her father. "I think Rachel would be proud of us." Supporters of Israel argue that Corrie recklessly chose to risk her life, and a statement from the country's Justice Ministry echoes that sentiment: "Rachel Corrie was injured as a result of her prohibited action, for which she is solely responsible, due to her considerable negligence and lack of caution." (More Rachel Corrie stories.)