Approximately 500 people gathered in front of the US Embassy today in protest of the intrusion of the Al-Aqsa mosque by the 'Zionist regime'.

The protest was held as a reaction to the intrusion which had led to clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians.

The demonstration which was attended by 45 Muslim NGOs and started after Friday prayers.

Majlis Perunding Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (Mapim) president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid denounced the action by the Israeli regime in not respecting the mosque’s position as one of the most sacred for Muslims around the world.

Azmi submitted a memorandum to a security officer at the US embassy as part of the protest. The memorandum, he claimed, was made on behalf of 'all Muslims and political parties in the country'.

He also urged US ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Y Yun to stop making excuses and to forward the memorandum to US president Barack Obama.

“We ask that Joseph Y Yun stop making excuses. This memorandum is meant for Obama and he must take action as the US president has a huge influence over Israel,” said Azmi, to the cries of ' takbir ' from the crowd.

Faxed to Obama

He added that Obama must also ensure that Israeli forces retreat from Jerusalem.

Azmi stressed that he and the other NGOs will not stop at this juncture and will submit the memorandum to Washington by way of fax.

“We will fax this memorandum to Washington so that the message will reach Obama. We will fax this memorandum this evening,” he said.

The demonstration which started around 2.30pm ended an hour later after the memorandum was delivered to the US embassy.

The protesters had brandished banners bearing the words 'Free Al-Aqsa mosque' and 'Free Palestine', among others, during the peaceful demonstration.