Around 250 protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy last night with anti-Israeli banners and waving Palestinian flags.

The Association of the Palestinian Community in the UK organised the protest, which took place across the road from the embassy amid heavy police presence.

Although the protest was mostly peaceful, protesters chanted “Khyber al-Yahud” – an Islamic battle cry which celebrates the death and defeat of Jews in the battle of Khyber. The also chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” – a chant which calls for the destruction of Israel.

A young boy, given the microphone by protesters shouted about “the Jewish kidnappers”, but the mic was swiftly taken away by protesters, conscious of the media droves in front of the protest barriers.

Sarah Glynn, from Scottish Jews for a Just Peace, said: “We utterly condemn the murders. We are here to support you and I know many more people wish they could be here today.”

Members of the Socialist Workers' Party were also present at the protest. Organisers told the crowd that a national pro-Palestinian demonstration is being planned for this weekend.

The Zionist Federation is organising a pro-Israeli demonstration this evening and members of the ZF were present at the protest.