Rock group Pixies have pulled out of a concert in Israel just days before the event was to take place.
They were said to have been urged to boycott the performance by pro-Palestinian activists following the recent clashes with the Israeli navy on board an aid ship.
The American band, popular in the 1980s for their punk rock music, had been set to perform at a Tel Aviv venue on June 9.
But they surprised fans by cancelling the appearance at the Pic.Nic festival at the last minute.
In a statement, Pixies said the decision was not reached easily and apologised for letting fans down.
They said: “We all know well the Israeli fans have been waiting for this visit for far too long.
"Events beyond all our control have conspired against us."
British groups the Gorillaz and the Klaxons have also withdrawn from the event. It follows the decision by Elvis Costello to cancel two shows in Israel for political reasons
Concert promoter Shuki Weiss, who organised a Madonna concert in Israel, called on the Israeli government to "fight against those who are doing everything they can to prevent artists from performing in Israel".
