The Pixies have cancelled their first-ever Israel gig without stating any reason for the ditch, Tel Aviv promoters said in a statement.

The US alternative band was supposed to perform in Tel Aviv on Wednesday but withdrew days after a bloody Israeli attack on an international aid fleet which has caused antagonistic reactions globally.

"It is with great regret that we announce today The Pixies' decision to cancel their appearance in Israel on June 9," promoter Shuki Weiss said in a statement.

"We'd like to extend our deepest apologies to the fans, but events beyond all our control have conspired against us."

He added that all tickets for the show will be fully refunded.

The decision to pull-out arose from cancellations of high profile musicians, like Britain's Elvis Costello, rock legend Carlos Santana and rap institution Gil Scott-Heron, following the demands of Israel's policies towards the Palestinians.

The cancellation could have also been influenced by an open letter from Israeli human rights activists that was received by the US band three months ago.

"As much as some of us are huge fans and would love to hear your show, we won't cross the international picket line that is growing in numbers steadily nowadays to come and see you," the group Boycott! wrote in an open letter to the band sent on March 1.

"The picket line might not always be visible; yet it is there. Are you prepared to perform in Tel Aviv while, just under your nose, millions of human beings are suffocating under a cruel Israeli military regime, denying them elementary human rights?"

Costello was expected to have two gigs at the coastal city of Caesaria on June 30 and July 1 but called it off three weeks ago due to Israel's "intimidation" and "humiliation" of the Palestinians.

In the meantime, Costello's wife Diana Krall will still proceed with her August performance in Israel.

In recent months, several Palestinian groups have called for an academic and cultural boycott of Israel as a protest against its occupation on Palestinian territory.