RAMALLAH, occupied West Bank (IPS) - When internationally renowned linguist, philosopher and political analyst Noam Chomsky was barred from entering the occupied West Bank, he joined a chorus of Jewish intellectuals savaged by the Israeli government for outspoken criticism. Read more about Chomsky denied entry as Goldstone remains under attack 

Two weeks after Israel imposed a travel ban on him, Ameer Makhoul, a well-respected Palestinian leader holding Israeli citizenship, was kidnapped from his home on 6 May in the middle of the night. The persecution of Makhoul brings back memories of the South Africa apartheid regime; during the South Africa anti-apartheid movement, similar tactics were used against those advocating for freedom and equal rights, who were accused of terrorism and having links with the Soviet Union. Adri Nieuwhof and Bangani Ngeleza comment for The Electronic Intifada. Read more about Persecution of Palestinian citizens recalls S. Africa apartheid repression 

Canadian diplomat Robert Fowler’s recent comments that Canada’s policy towards the Middle East has been put in the service of domestic electoral concerns have been read as critical by the corporate media. However, Fowler is only one of many reproducing a fantasy of Canada having a reputation for being fair, just and objective as regards the Middle East. Sean F. McMahon comments for The Electronic Intifada. Read more about Challenging Canada's myths about its role in Palestine 

The construction of sections of a controversial segregated road network in the West Bank planned by Israel for Palestinians — leaving the main roads for exclusive use by settlers — is being financed by a US government aid agency, a map prepared by Palestinian researchers has revealed. Jonathan Cook reports. Read more about USAID funding Israel's apartheid road construction 

Later this month, ships from all over the world will converge in the Mediterranean and set sail for the occupied and besieged Gaza Strip. This international coalition is called the Freedom Flotilla. Ewa Jasiewicz comments for The Electronic Intifada. Read more about A force more powerful 

GAZA CITY, occupied Gaza Strip (IPS) - Mohammed Omer, 28, is one of five teachers at the Gaza Music School in Tel al-Howa, Gaza City. Formerly in the al-Quds hospital Red Crescent complex, the school moved to its current location not far from the hospital after the complex was bombed and burned during the 23-day Israeli assault on Gaza. Eva Bartlett reports. Read more about Gaza youth learn music and challenge the occupation 

The recent arrest of two respected public figures from Israel’s Palestinian Arab minority in nighttime raids on their homes by the Shin Bet secret police — brought to light this week when a gag order was partially lifted — has sent shock waves through the community. Jonathan Cook analyzes. Read more about Arrest of Palestinian leaders in Israel "a dangerous development"  

RAMALLAH, occupied West Bank (IPS) - Israeli nuclear whistle-blower Mordechai Vanunu has been sentenced to another three months imprisonment for allegedly refusing to perform community service in West Jerusalem. His arrest follows the detention of Palestinian leaders in Israel. Read more about Israel increasingly resembling a police state 

Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) activists are pressuring the Ireland-based international building materials group CRH to divest from its Israeli subsidiary Mashav. Last week, IPSC members attended the annual CRH general shareholders meeting as activist shareholders. Adri Nieuwhof and John Dorman report. Read more about Irish activists urge divestment at CRH annual meeting