At least 19 civilians were killed as the Israeli navy attacked the Free Gaza Flotilla while on its way to the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled an upcoming visit to the White House as criticism and protests spread in the international community in the wake of Israel's attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

Earlier in the day, about 10,000 people in Turkey joined a protest that started at the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, Another 1,000 protested in Amman, Jordan, and hundreds joined protests in London and Egypt. Protests have also occurred in other Middle Eastern countries, Bosnia, Greece and Pakistan.

International protests joined wide spread protests in the West Bank and protests by Arabs living inside Israel are expected to take place tonight in Tel Aviv.

Israel's actions have been condemned by much of the international community. The United Nations Security Council planned to hold emergency talks on Monday about the attack and Turkey has withdrawn its ambassador to Israel in response to the deaths.

The Obama administration said that the United States, "deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained" during the attack and that it is "currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy."

There is still confusion about what exactly transpired as Israeli forces boarded the ships that led to the death of up to 19 people and the injury of dozens more. The attack took place in international waters.

Israeli Officials claim that Israeli soldiers were met with violent resistance by the protesters and have released video to back up their claims. Protesters, however, repeatedly said that they would react nonviolently if confronted by the Israeli military.

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla left from Turkey on Sunday after being delayed for 3 days. The fleet consisted of 6 ships carrying aid to the Gaza Strip. It was expected to arrive at the Gaza City seaport on Monday around midday.

The Flotilla was carrying around 700 peace activists and 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid. In addition to food and medicine, the aid included reconstruction materials, electric wheelchairs, paper rolls, and books.

Over the weekend, the Israeli army and navy, under direct supervision and orders from the Israeli government, prepared a plan dubbed “Operation Sky Wind” to attack the Freedom Flotilla in order to prevent it from landing in Gaza.

The ships were part of an international effort called the Free Gaza Movement. The movement aims to end Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip that has crippled the economy and created a humanitarian crisis for the people living their.