Goa, June 9 -- Israeli commandos intercepted the British-flagged yacht Madleen, part of the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which was en route to Gaza carrying symbolic aid. Among those on board were climate activist Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan.

The Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of "kidnapping" the passengers after communication with the vessel was lost. Israeli authorities, however, downplayed the incident, calling Madleen a "selfie yacht of celebrities" and claimed it was heading safely to Israeli shores.

The Foreign Ministry accused activists of staging a media stunt and noted that the aid aboard-less than a truckload-would be delivered through official humanitarian channels. In contrast, Israel reported that o...