Israel boards Gaza-bound boat

Ship carrying Jewish activists was intercepted without incident.

Israeli forces and pro-Palestinian activists managed to avoid a repeat of last May’s flotilla fiasco, in which nine activists were killed in an attempt to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The Irene, a sailboat carrying medicine, toys, and water purifiers was commandeered and steered safely to shore on Tuesday. All nine passengers are believed to be in good health. The activists, all of whom are Jewish, said they undertook the journey to show that not all Jews support the blockade of Gaza. Israel sealed off the territory after the militant group Hamas won Palestinian elections three years ago. The Irene’s cargo will be transferred to Gaza.