Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled the army was not responsible for the death of American activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed in Gaza by a military bulldozer in 2003.

The court upheld the ruling of the lower Haifa District Court three years ago that the Israeli Defence Forces were not liable for the victim while she was in a war zone.

Ms Corrie was in Rafah with the pro-Palestinian group International Solidarity Movement, protesting at the destruction of houses when she was run over by a bulldozer. The driver said he did not seen her.

A subsequent IDF investigation criticised the “illegal, irresponsible, and dangerous behaviour of the ISM group” which led to Washington native Ms Corrie’s death, but her parents blamed the army.

In a statement released yesterday, the victim’s relatives said that the ruling proved that the IDF is not held accountable for its actions: “Our family is disappointed but not surprised. Nevertheless, it is clear that this decision, affirming the August 2012 lower court finding, amounts to judicial sanction of immunity for Israeli military forces when they commit injustices and human rights violations.

“Despite the verdict, our family remains convinced we were correct in bringing this case forward. The day after Rachel was killed, Prime Minister Sharon promised President Bush a thorough, credible and transparent investigation. Clearly, that standard was not met.”