An Oxford University student was filmed encouraging crowds to chant about putting "Zios in the ground".
The footage, captured during a protest on October 11, shows the young man wearing a keffiyeh addressing demonstrators through a speaker.
He told the crowd about a chant that had been developed in Oxford, saying: "A chant that we've been workshopping in Oxford that maybe you guys want to join in."
The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred one day after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in Gaza on October 10.
The individual praised what he called "a steadfast and a noble resistance in Palestine and in Gaza to look to, to be inspired by" before introducing the chant.
He then led the crowd in shouting: "Gaza, Gaza make us proud, put the Zios in the ground," which was repeated multiple times by him and other demonstrators.
The Union of Jewish Students declared they were "horrified" by the footage, highlighting that the term "Zio" was originally coined by David Duke, former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.
They called the rhetoric violent and unacceptable, particularly against what they described as "rampant glorification of Hamas terrorism on campus this week."
The protester was filmed making the chant he said was 'workshopped in Oxford'
|X
The organisation confirmed they have contacted Oxford University and urged decisive action regarding what they termed a "deeply troubling incident".
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated: "Officers are investigating chants made at the demonstration in central London on Saturday, October 11. Enquiries are ongoing."
The video has provoked widespread condemnation on social media platform X, with users calling for immediate action from education authorities.
Oxford University issued a statement condemning the language "in the strongest possible terms", emphasising that any rhetoric promoting violence against groups or expressing racial hatred has no place within their institution.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Oxford University has condemned the video (file pic)
|PA
A spokesman for the university said: "The University of Oxford condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any language urging violence against groups of people or expressing any form of racial hatred. The University's support for freedom of speech does not extend to any statements including such language.
"When such language is reported, we will always want to speak to the student concerned, and consider the matter under our disciplinary procedures in line with University and college policies.
"Oxford is unequivocal: there is no place for antisemitism, harassment, or discrimination within our community. We remain firmly committed to protecting the safety and dignity of all our students and staff.
"The University has taken a number of actions in recent months, in collaboration with Jewish students and staff, to strengthen our approach to tackling antisemitism and fostering an inclusive environment."
Protests broke out in London centre
|REUTERS
A wave of pro-Palestine demonstrations have taken place over the last week, which Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood previously said had created "considerable fear" among Jewish communities.
One event in London saw 488 arrests for supporting banned organisation Palestine Action, which is on the Government’s list of terrorist groups.
Several hundred protesters waved Palestinian flags and shouted, "Israel is a terrorist state" outside King's College London at the weekend. Mark Etkind, a retiree in his early 60s from London, wore a sign around his neck saying he was the son of a Holocaust survivor.
He said: "I have always opposed genocide...Of course, I support students here who are actively opposing genocide."
Demonstrators from the "Palestine Coalition" gathered in London over the weekend
|REUTERS
Protesters shouted “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as they marched towards Westminster on Saturday, a chant that Sir Keir has suggested the Government may crack down on.
Some consider the slogan to be antisemitic as they believe it calls for the eradication of Israel, while proponents of the chant claim they are calling for an end to conflict in Gaza and the West Bank.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn walked at the front of the crowd across Westminster Bridge, helping to carry a large banner that said "National march. Free Palestine." He stayed silent as a woman using a megaphone led the "from the rivers to the sea" chant, and "Keir Starmer you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide".
Your Party co-founder Zarah Sultana criticised the Home Secretary for switching sides on Palestine and "locking up pensioners and priests for opposing the ban on Palestine Action" during a speech outside Downing Street.