Jakarta – Thousands of people staged a peaceful demonstration at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to show support for Palestine during Car-Free Day on Sunday.

Masses from various groups, such as the Indonesian National Committee for Palestinian People (KNRP), the Silaturrahim Forum of the Indonesian Campus Proselytizing Council (FSLDK) and the Indonesian Muslim Students Action Front (KAMMI), protested against Israel's intensifying assault on the Gaza Strip and demanded the United Nations declare Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu a war criminal.

The crowds also urged the government to establish a diplomatic consulate in Palestine and urged country members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Arab League to consolidate their support.

"Around 1,000 people participated in the demonstration," FSLK chairman Marzuki said as quoted by tribunnews.com. Marzuki added that the demonstration was also aimed at gathering donations for Palestine and to encourage people to sign an online petition.

The demonstration kicked off around 7:30 a.m. The crowd marched to City Hall on Jl. Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, at around 10 a.m. before dispersing due to heavy rain. The demonstration resulted in slight traffic congestion and held up Transjakarta bus services along the route momentarily.

Israel launched a military campaign on Wednesday after days of heavy rocket fire from Gaza, and has carried out some 700 airstrikes since, the military said.

Hamas health officials said 45 Palestinians had been killed and 385 wounded since Wednesday's escalation of the cross-border battle. In Israel, 3 Israeli civilians have died and 63 have been injured. Four soldiers were also wounded on Saturday. (aml/iwa)