Jakarta - More than 10,000 Indonesians rallied outside the US embassy in Jakarta on Friday to protest against Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip and condemn the United States for supporting the Jewish state.

It was the biggest protest in support of the Palestinians in Indonesia since Israel launched the airstrikes on Saturday in what it says is a defensive move to halt rocket attacks on Israeli territory by Palestinian militants.

At least 420 Palestinians have been killed and thousands injured in the attacks.

The protestors, mostly from the Muslim-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), marched through Jakarta's main streets to the US embassy, causing traffic congestion.

They chanted "Curse Israel" and waved banners reading "Save Palestine," "Zionism Destroys Humanity," and "Stop Israeli Occupation."

Masked men carried mock rockets and aimed them at large image of a monkey depicting Israel.

"Israel has committed unspeakable savagery in Gaza. Muslims must roll up their sleeves to fight Israel's crime against humanity," said one protestor, Rosyid Abdullah Syafe'i.

Syafe'i said rockets fired by Hamas into Israeli territory had caused very little damage and were only meant to show the Palestinians were resisting the occupation of their homeland.

PKS chairman Tifatul Sembiring blasted US President George W Bush for refusing to condemn the attacks and urged his successor Barack Obama not follow Bush's footsteps.

"Mr Bush, I don't understand you. You support Israel when the whole world condemns it. Can you imagine if your brothers or sisters are the victims?" Sembiring said.

"Unfortunately Mr Bush, as your term ends you will be remembered for your shameful acts," he said.

Thousands also staged anti-Israeli protests in several other Indonesian cities, local media reported.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian struggle for nationhood and has no diplomatic relations with Israel. (dpa)