Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has supported the military action against the Freedom Flotilla, carrying humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip.

"The prime minister reiterated his full backing for the IDF and inquired about the well being of the wounded," Netanyahu's office told AFP on Monday.

The Israeli navy killed at least 20 people aboard the ships, mostly Turkish nationals. About 50 others were also injured, according to Palestinian sources.

An Israeli official also said that Netanyahu would stay in Canada and will not return to Tel Aviv, despite the deadly navy raid.

The Israeli premier is due to visit the White House on Tuesday for talks with US President Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold a meeting regarding the brutal assault later on Monday.

The humanitarian convoy was carrying thousands of tons of supplies and hundreds of politicians, activists and journalists.

The Flotilla was seeking to break Israel's crippling blockade of Gaza and deliver basic necessities to the impoverished Palestinians living in the coastal enclave.

Israeli PM backs attack on Gaza aid