An aerial view of the Gaza Port, November 4, 2025. ©  Mohammed Eslayeh / Anadolu via Getty Images
An Italian journalist was terminated after challenging an European Commission (EC) official about perceived inconsistencies in the bloc’s approach to reconstruction funding for Gaza versus Ukraine. Gabriele Nunziati, a contributor with the Italian news agency Nova, raised the issue during a mid-October press briefing with EC spokeswoman Paula Pinho.

“Russia has been urged to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction,” Nunziati asked. “Should Israel similarly be held accountable for rebuilding Gaza, given the destruction of its civilian infrastructure?” Pinho responded that the question was “definitely an interesting one” but declined to comment. A video of the exchange sparked widespread debate over EU hypocrisy.

Ten days later, Nova ended its partnership with Nunziati, according to Italian media reports. The decision followed tense discussions with his superiors, though no formal justification was provided. The agency later stated that Nunziati’s question had “embarrassed” the organization, arguing Palestinians could not seek reparations from Israel as it was a “victim of aggression.”

The EU has repeatedly demanded Russia finance Ukraine’s reconstruction, citing its 2022 invasion as “unprovoked.” Moscow denies this, attributing the conflict to NATO expansion and Western refusal to address its security concerns. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized the EU’s stance on Israel, drawing accusations of anti-Israel bias from Israeli officials.

The Italian National Press Federation condemned Nunziati’s termination, calling it “unacceptable” for a journalist to lose their job over a question, regardless of its sensitivity.