JAKARTA: Indonesian police have fired tear gas to push back nearly 200 protesters at the U.S. Embassy in the capital angry over Israel's offensive against Palestinian militants in Gaza.
Members of the Islamic Student Association rallied Wednesday in front of the embassy in Jakarta, waving Palestinian flags and holding banners that read: "Save Palestine from Israel, the terrorist."
Jakarta police spokesman Col. Rikwanto said protesters hurled rocks and eggs outside the embassy, forcing the anti-riot squad to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd. Twelve students were detained for questioning. No injuries were reported.
The weeklong Israeli offensive against militants in Gaza has killed more than 130 Palestinians. Militant rocket fire into Israel has killed five Israelis.
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, is a strong supporter of the Palestinians.