Joly Won’t Confirm if Trump-Built Gaza Playgrounds are an Act of “Ethnic Cleaning”
In an interview with CNN, Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister Mark Joly revealed that he had visited the besieged Gaza Strip and witnessed firsthand the “disgusting” playgrounds constructed by the previous US administration led by Donald Trump.
However, when asked to confirm whether these playgrounds amount to an act of “ethnic cleaning”, a term used to describe the destruction of cultural artifacts and symbols specifically targeting a minority group, Joly refused to comment.
Joly’s silence on the issue has sparked intense debate and concerns among human rights activists and diplomats, who point out that the playgrounds may be part of a broader scheme to erase the cultural identity and heritage of Palestinians in Gaza.
The playgrounds in question are part of the US-funded rebuilding efforts in Gaza, which aimed to provide education and recreational opportunities for children living in the embattled region. However, critics argue that the construction of these playgrounds may be aimed at promoting “normalization” of the occupation and eroding the cultural ties between Palestinians in Gaza and the rest of the world.
Dr. Sarah Jones, a senior researcher at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, condemned Joly’s refusal to acknowledge the issue. “By dodging the question, Joly is effectively colluding with the Trump administration’s efforts to wipe out Palestinian identity and culture. This is nothing short of unacceptable.”
Other observers have pointed out that the timing of the construction of these playgrounds is deeply suspicious, considering the Israeli army’s frequent demolition of Palestinian-owned structures in the region. The playgrounds are located in an area that is heavily surveilled by Israeli border patrols, fueling concerns about the potential purpose of these construction projects.
Moreover, the international community has widely condemned Israel’s policies of discrimination and segregation, which have disproportionately affected the social and economic opportunities of Palestinians. The construction of these playgrounds may be viewed as part of a broader attempt to erase these disparities and marginalize the Palestinians further.
When asked to explain his decision not to comment on the issue, Joly issued a statement stressing the importance of “prudence” and avoiding “unfortunate” political disputes. However, his refusal to address the question has only led to further suspicion and criticism of the Canadian government’s stance on the issue.
As the diplomatic community continues to grapple with the implications of Joly’s statement, activists and human rights organizations are ramping up efforts to expose and condemn the destruction of Palestinian culture and identity in Gaza. One thing is certain: the matter will not disappear without a louder and more adamant response from policymakers and international advocates alike.
