World News: Gaza-bound activist boat carrying Greta Thunberg towed to Israel

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Israeli naval forces have intercepted a yacht carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others while it was attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Israeli navy boarded the British-flagged yacht Madleen, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, detaining Thunberg and a French lawmaker, among those who were onboard.

On early Monday, the vessel was seized approximately 185 kilometers from Gaza in international waters and escorted into a port in Israel by the evening.

Israeli officials confirmed the activists were unharmed and will be deported after undergoing medical checks. They said that the yacht's cargo of symbolic aid such as baby formula, rice, and medical kits, will enter Gaza through official Israeli aid channels.

While Thunberg denounced the interception as "kidnapping," Israel dismissed the mission as a "media stunt" and called the aid boat a "selfie yacht."

Governments in Sweden, France, and Spain have lodged consular requests and France's President Macron has demanded swift repatriation.

The boat departed from Italy on June 1 to raise awareness of the conditions in Gaza.

Ukraine and Russia began the first stage of a multi-phase prisoner exchange, repatriating servicemen under the age of 25, following a humanitarian agreement reached during peace talks.

On Monday, the first phase of a prisoner swap agreed on in Istanbul on June 2 took place, involving young military prisoners and severely wounded individuals.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the exchange in his evening address, emphasizing a phased approach over several days and thanking all parties involved.

Although specific numbers were undisclosed, both nations affirmed an equal exchange of prisoners.

Despite conflicting claims over the exchange between the two nations the previous day, the exchange marks hope for broader negotiations aimed at exchanging at least 1,200 prisoners from each side and repatriating fallen soldiers.

Apple unveiled its "liquid glass" design and advanced AI upgrades in iOS 26, its first major visual overhaul since iOS 7, during its Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday.

The liquid glass interface introduces translucent, refractive UI elements across all platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and TV.

AI enhancements powered by Apple Intelligence include live translation in Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, all of which are processed on-device.

The public beta of iOS 26, including liquid glass and AI features, launches this summer, with the full release slated for this fall.

Labubu dolls, a toothy plush toy from Chinese maker Pop Mart, have seen a surge in popularity, and price, worldwide.

Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and marketed since 2019, Labubu shot to fame after being spotted with celebrities like Rihanna, Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink's Lisa.

Collectors, mostly adults, are drawn by the blind-box format of the collectibles, which offers randomly packed variants, some rare versions, fueling a global frenzy.

Official retail prices range from about 20 to 30 U.S. dollars, but resale values have exploded from 100 to 7,000 dollars for rare editions.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.