Demonstrators have gathered outside an Edinburgh Festival Fringe event celebrating the culture of Israel.

Campaigners tied Palestinian flags to traffic lights in Tollcross to highlight their opposition to Israel's actions in Palestine.

The protest was organised to coincide with the International Shalom Festival Gala Concert, a one-day event at the Central Hall which has been billed as a "celebration of the diverse culture, music, art, dance and food of Israel".

The event is described in the Fringe programme as "aiming to build cultural bridges and develop international friendship".

Around a dozen police officers are at the scene of the demonstration, which is expected to continue until 10pm on Wednesday.

Mick Napier, of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, told STV News that in celebrating Israel, the event was also supporting its military actions.

He said: "This event is to promote 'all things Israel' ... we think it's really sinister that this event should be able to utilise the publicity facilities of the Edinburgh Fringe to do this. We are incensed and we're angry."

Sammi Stein, chairman of Glasgow Friends of Israel, was among the organisers of the event.

He said: "We're here to attend a cultural event. It's all about building bridges between Israel and Scotland.

"Quite frankly we're not interested in what they are doing outside the venue. There have been elderly people coming in here who have been very upset by it.

"If they want to demonstrate, then they can, but they need to do it peacefully."

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police in Edinburgh are aware of a proposed demonstration in the Tollcross area of the city on Wednesday.

"An appropriate police presence will be in place to ensure the event passes without incident."