The United States said on Monday it "deeply regretted" the deaths and injuries caused when Israeli commandos stormed a convoy of Gaza-bound aid ships leading to up to 19 aid activists, most of them reportedly Turkish nationals.

"The United States deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained, and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy," said White House spokesman William Burton.

President Barack Obama was in Chicago for the Memorial Day holiday. He had been scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the White House on Tuesday but that meeting was now in doubt.


Agencies