Members of the Iranian community in Canada gathered outside Toronto City Hall on Monday, demanding an immediate ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Holding signs and chanting for peace, the protesters expressed deep concern for their loved ones back home.
Many participants told Reuters they feared for their families’ safety in Iran, where escalating violence has claimed hundreds of lives in recent days. They stressed that the Iranian people are not seeking war, but peace and stability. The conflict flared up after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran last Friday. Since then, both sides have exchanged attacks, with Iranian officials confirming over 220 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel, in turn, reported the loss of 24 civilians.
Israel has defended its actions by claiming it is targeting threats from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. However, Iran insists it is only pursuing peaceful nuclear technology as allowed under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Interestingly, Israel is not a signatory to the NPT and is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, though it neither confirms nor denies this status. This contrast has fueled further tension in the already volatile Middle East.
Meanwhile, the air war between Iran and Israel has heightened fears of a larger regional conflict. The region has remained on edge since Israel’s military operations began in Gaza in October 2023, making calls for peace even more urgent.