More than 1,500 demonstrators called for "jihad" (holy war) against Israel in a protest outside the United States embassy in Kuala Lumpur today.

The protest was organised by a three-party opposition alliance led by the hardline PAS, against the Israeli crackdown in Palestinian territories.

As Malaysia has no diplomatic relations with Israel, the demonstrators targeted the embassy of the US, which is seen as supporting the Israeli action.

Leaders of the three parties submitted a memorandum condemning the "failure of the US to put an end to terrorist acts upon the Palestinian people".

"The Malaysian people condemn in the strongest terms Israel's acts of terror on the Palestinian people, particularly when the global community is making efforts to stop terrorism," the memorandum said.

"We urge the United States to immediately take firm action by ceasing all forms of assistance and support to Israel, whether economic, moral or military."

Protesters outside the embassy carried banners reading: "Jihad is the only answer", "Go to hell - down with America, down with Israel" and "Who is the real terrorist?"

The demonstrators burnt an Israeli flag and chanted: "Long live Islam, long live humanity. Crush Israel, crush America, crush the Jews".

Embassy statement

The US embassy later released a statement quoting ambassador Marie Huhtala as saying: "The US Government is intensively engaged in diplomatic efforts to end the violence and make possible a resumption of negotiations aimed at peace in the region."

About 100 police, some in riot gear, protected the embassy throughout the demonstration. The protesters dispersed peacefully after reciting prayers.

PAS youth chief Mahfuz Omar told AFP : "Israel will now hear and fear the cry of jihad and war.

"We are not here today to beg or ask for sympathy from the US. We want the American government to put more pressure on Israel as a terrorist country.

"The US declared Osama (bin Laden) and the Taliban as terrorists and attacked Afghanistan. So now that Israel is the terrorist nation we are calling on the OIC (the 57-nation Organisation of the Islamic Conference) to attack and not let this continue."

'Lip service'

Xavier Jayakumar, an official of another opposition party, Keadilan, said the US was simply paying "lip service" in it's pledges to stop global terrorism.

"The US says it calls for a ceasefire, but they haven't done anything," he told AFP .

"They are just paying lip service, and we demand they use their influence and power to move (Israeli Prime Minister) Sharon out."

The government of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, but has also won praise from the US for its support for the war against terrorism since the attacks on New York and Washington on Sept 11.