The parents of 23-year-old Rachel Corrie, joined by Rep. Brian Baird (news, bio, voting record), D-Wash., said it was important for the United States to hold Israel to the same standards it would hold a U.S. soldier to in similar circumstances.
"We do not allow our soldiers to fire on unarmed citizens," Baird said Wednesday. "I don't think you are a good friend if you don't look closely at mistakes."
Baird accused the driver of bulldozer of intentionally running over Corrie as she stood in his path Sunday to try to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home in the Rafah refugee camp.
"It seems the bulldozer willingly pushed forward," Baird said, citing eyewitness accounts from peace activists. "It doesn't seem to be an accident or a mistake."
The Israeli military has said that Corrie's death was an accident. It said small windows in the bulldozer's cab restricted the driver's vision as Corrie dropped to her knees to stop the demolition of a Palestinian home.
Corrie, of Olympia, Wash., was a student at The Evergreen State College near Olympia and was active in Olympia's peace movement. She joined the International Solidarity Movement, a Palestinian-led group that uses nonviolent methods to challenge Israeli occupation.
Corrie's parents, Craig and Cynthia Corrie of Charlotte, N.C., called on Israel to "cease harassment" of protesters such as their daughter, who oppose what they call illegal demolitions of Palestinian homes.
Craig Corrie said he hopes the soldier who caused his daughter's death understands "as a human being" what he has done.
"If he had understanding (of his actions) and a long life, that would be the worst thing for him," Corrie said. "I can't understand (what happened). I won't understand."
The couple said no one from the Israeli government had contacted them, although they have heard from dozens of Israeli citizens since their daughter's death.
"There are Israelis who feel devastated about what happened," said Cynthia Corrie. "There's been a great outpouring of sympathy."
Baird said he would introduce a resolution in Congress this week calling for the U.S. investigation, which would be in addition to any action by the Israeli government.
Corrie's body is in Tel Aviv, where an autopsy is being conducted, Baird said. The body could be flown home as soon as Wednesday.
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