Al Quds Day is an annual pro-Palestinian day of protest held around the time of the final Friday of Ramadan. 

It was first initiated by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979.

Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem, and the parades, which are held in various cities around the world by both Muslim and non-Muslim communities, have long expressed opposition to Zionism and have called for Israel’s destruction.

While millions take to the streets across Iran to participate in Al Quds Day marches, there are further sizable parades in countries including Lebanon, Pakistan, Nigeria and South Africa.

In London, around 3,000 supporters have attended the march each year. This year’s event begins outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Mayfair at 3pm on Sunday. 

It is backed by more than a dozen organisations, including Jews for Boycotting Israeli Goods and has been promoted with movie-style YouTube trailers and glossy posters.

A counter-demonstration is expected to attract hundreds of protesters from the Jewish community.