Kolkata, Jan 3 : Muslims here staged a massive demonstration to protest against Israel''s offensive in Gaza that has claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent Palestine civilians.

The demonstrators, who gathered outside Tippu Sultan''s mosque, also set the Israeli flag on fire.

Noorur Rehman Barkati, the Shahi Imam of the mosque said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi would be urged to snap bilateral ties with Israel immediately.

"We have declared Israel a terrorist nation. We will burn their diplomatic offices all over India. If the war doesn''t stop now, then their diplomatic consulates will be burnt in India and in other countries also," warned Barkati.

"America and the United Nations are corrupt because Muslims are bleeding and no action is being taken against the Israeli attackers. We Muslims have called it a Jihad. We will eradicate Israel for which plans are going on," Barkati added.

In New Delhi, protestors gathered outside the Jama Masjid, to burn the Israeli and American flags, as well as an effigy.

The Government of India has joined international calls for a halt to the conflict, and promised a million dollars in financial aid to affected families in Gaza.

Diplomats said the deadliest conflict in the Gaza Strip in four decades appeared close to a crucial stage after four days of cross-border fire had killed over 400 Palestinians and four Israelis.

Foreign powers have increased pressure on both sides to halt hostilities, whereas reports indicate that public anger in Israel could move the Government in Tel Aviv to hit the Hamas even harder. (ANI)