British human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was arrested by police during a pro-Palestinian protest in central London, an incident that has drawn attention due to his long-standing public profile and history of peaceful activism.

Tatchell, seventy-two, was detained while participating in a demonstration near the Israeli embassy, where protesters had gathered to express opposition to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Metropolitan Police officers said the arrest related to an alleged breach of public order conditions imposed on the protest, which authorities said were necessary to manage crowd safety and prevent disruption.

Tatchell was later released without charge, according to statements from his supporters, and no further legal action was immediately announced.

The activist said he had been attempting to engage police in dialogue and maintained that he did not intend to violate protest restrictions.

The protest formed part of a broader wave of demonstrations across the United Kingdom since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war, with police frequently imposing conditions to balance the right to protest with public safety and security considerations, particularly around diplomatic sites.

The Metropolitan Police reiterated that their actions were operational decisions taken in real time and were not directed at individuals based on their political views.

Israel, which has emphasised its right to defend itself following the October seventh Hamas attacks, has faced sustained protests abroad alongside strong diplomatic backing from allied governments.

Tatchell’s brief detention adds to ongoing debate in Britain about protest policing, freedom of expression and the limits of lawful assembly during periods of heightened international tension.