Protestor draped in a Palestinian flag sets themselves on FIRE outside Israeli consulate in Atlanta: Cops say they’re in critical condition after ‘extreme act of political protest’

A pro-Palestinian protester has been left in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta.

The city's police chief, Darin Schierbaum, described the incident as an “extreme act of political protest” and said a Palestinian flag had been recovered from the scene.

It comes just hours after Israel's IDF military wing announced the relaunch of its offensive against Hamas in Gaza following the expiration of a six-day ceasefire.

At least two people were injured in self-immolation, including a security guard who tried to intervene.

The condition of the guard is unclear and officials said the protester is in critical condition.

The incident has been described by the city's police chief as an 'extreme act of political protest'

Officials ruled out terrorism as the cause and said there was no threat to staff at the consulate (pictured) in Atlanta

The protester has not been identified and no pro-Palestinian group has taken responsibility for the demonstration.

Social media showed a scorched backpack and burnt items outside the building.

Everyone in the building is safe and Schierbaum said officials have not determined any connection to terrorism.

“We don't see any threat here,” he said. “We believe it was an act of extreme political protest.”

Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel in the southeastern US, said in a statement: “We are saddened to learn of the self-immolation at the entrance to the office building.

“It is tragic to see hatred and incitement towards Israel expressed in such a horrific way.

The sanctity of life is our highest value. Our prayers are with the security guard who was injured trying to prevent this tragic act.

“We are grateful to the City of Atlanta's law enforcement officers and first responders for all they do to ensure safety.”