Horrific signs including ‘boom boom Tel Aviv’ are being displayed at the annual Al Quds Day demonstration in central London.
At least 1,000 officers have been drafted in to manage crowds expected of around 12,000 people as conflict continues in Iran.
On the south side of the city, thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters have gathered where the atmosphere is tense.
Hundreds of police have thrown a ring of steel around the gathered demonstrators.
Police are investigating ‘death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)’ chants led by Bobby Vylan at the Al Quds Day demonstration.
The artist, real name Pascal Robinson-Foster, who is a member of punk duo Bob Vylan, repeated his controversial Glastonbury chant while appearing as a speaker at the protest on Sunday.
Those in the crowd appeared to join in.
The Metropolitan Police said: ‘We are aware of chanting made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest and will be investigating.
‘We recognise the concern footage and chanting like this causes, particularly with London’s Jewish communities.
‘When this language had been used previously we sought advice from the CPS who determined that there would be insufficient evidence to take a case forward.’
One young man, aged in his 20s, is holding a sign which says ‘boom boom Tel Aviv’.
Other pro-regime signs are on display and one banner which says the ‘Epstein regime’ murdered 168 school children in Iran.
A sign urging the Home Secretary to de-prescribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation is also being held.
It reads: ‘Home Secretary, de-prescribe Palestine Action.’
Holding a sign which expresses support for Palestine Action is a crime and has led to thousands being arrested in previous months.
The annual Al Quds Day demonstration in London had drawn criticism over apparent backing for the Iranian regime after its organisers expressed support for the country’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A counter-protest has also been planned, co-organised by Stop The Hate and The Lion Guard of Iran group, with police using the River Thames to block the demonstrations from clashing.
Iranian dissidents are expected to be among the attendees, Stop The Hate said.
Counter-protesters can assemble on the Millbank side of the Thames, while the Al Quds Day demonstration will be situated at Albert Embankment.
It is thought to be the first time that Scotland Yard has used the river as a physical barrier to keep a large-scale protest and counter-protests apart.
The Met said 12 arrests were made amid a protest and counter-protest on Sunday.
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: ‘We saw significantly fewer people attend than we had anticipated. The restrictions and conditions meant many people chose to stay away and not to attend the protest or counter-protest.
‘This shows our decision to apply for the ban was the right one. A static protest meant it was easier for officers to keep the two groups apart and prevent serious public disorder.
‘We made 12 arrests including for showing support for a proscribed organisation, affray and for threatening or abusive behaviour. We are also investigating chants made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest.
‘As I said from the outset, the decision to ban the protest march does not set a precedent and we will continue to consider each protest on a case-by-case basis.’
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood granted the police’s bid for a month-long ban on the annual march organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), making it the first time such a restriction on protest had been imposed since 2012.
Al Quds Day is named after the Arabic name for Jerusalem and is usually held on the last Friday of Ramadan.
Reporting by Ben Sturt
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