Pakistan, June 17 -- 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 ci...