KUALA LUMPUR: As the clock struck midnight, calls for a permanent ceasefire for the conflict in the Gaza Strip rang out among the "Kepung Demi Palestin" protesters at the US Embassy here.

The group's spokesperson - former PKR vice president Chua Tian Chang - ended the night by reading a declaration urging for four demands to be met.

The “Kepung Demi Palestin” protestors had been picketing at the US Embassy since Dec 26 to call for a permanent end to the violence in Gaza, and have been saying that the United States has played a big role in prolonging the fight.

Their demands included the end to the apartheid system throughout Palestine, and a fair, peaceful and lasting solution for all in Palestine.

"Starting today, Jan 1 2024, and every day after, we stand together in solidarity with the Palestinian people," he said.

A candlelight vigil preceded the declaration, before the crowd broke into songs and most were seen leaving peacefully at around 1am under the watchful eye of the police.

Earlier in the night, speakers such as former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu called for a permanent end to the violence.

For the last six days protestors had "occupied" the areas near the US embassy in a symbolic representation of the occupation in Palestine.