TORONTO: The Iranian community in Canada gathered outside Toronto city hall to demand an immediate ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
The protesters expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence, sharing fears for loved ones back in Iran emphasizing the widespread desire for peace among the Iranian people.
The recent escalation began last Friday when Israel launched strikes against Iran, leading to a fierce exchange of hostilities. Iranian officials have reported over 220 casualties, primarily civilians, over the past five days, while Israel has acknowledged 24 civilian deaths.
Israel contends its military actions aim to neutralize perceived threats from Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and denies pursuing nuclear weapons, citing its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Notably, Israel is not a signatory to the NPT but is believed to possess nuclear arsenals, a fact neither confirmed nor denied by the country.
This recent air conflict has intensified regional tensions, which had already been heightened by Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza since October 2023.
