Journalist fired from agency for asking if ‘Israel’ should rebuild Gaza
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Italian journalist Gabriele Nunziati was fired from Agenzia Nova after publicly asking a European Commission official if ‘Israel’ should be responsible for rebuilding Gaza.
- The agency justified the firing by calling the question "technically incorrect" and stating its viral circulation caused reputational harm, while the journalist said it was censorship.
An Italian journalist, Gabriele Nunziati, was fired from his position at Agenzia Nova after posing a question to a European Commission official about ‘Israel's’ responsibility for rebuilding Gaza.
The incident, which occurred during a routine press briefing in Brussels, has sparked concerns over press freedom bias in media coverage.
Nunziati, who had recently started as the agency's Brussels correspondent, asked the question on October 13, 2025, amid discussions on international war reparations.
The question was directed at Paula Pinho, the European Commission's chief spokesperson, during a midday briefing.
Nunziati drew a comparison between the EU's stance on Russia funding Ukraine's reconstruction and the lack of similar demands on ‘Israel’ for Gaza.
Specifically, he asked: “You’ve been repeating several times that Russia should pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Do you believe that Israel should pay for the reconstruction of Gaza since they have destroyed almost all its civilian infrastructure?”
Pinho responded briefly, calling it “an interesting question” but declining to comment further. The exchange was captured on video and went viral.
Journalist: “You've said that Russia should repay for reconstruction of Ukraine.
— Irlandarra (@aldamu_jo) November 5, 2025
Do you believe Israel should repay for reconstruction of Gaza?”
EU chief spokesperson: “I have no comment at this stage.” pic.twitter.com/ETCCCcak1K
This clip reportedly embarrassed Agenzia Nova, contributing to the fallout.
Two weeks later, on October 27, Nunziati (who worked with a freelance contract) received a letter from the agency terminating their collaboration. He described receiving tense phone calls from superiors, discussing the question's content.
Agenzia Nova justified the firing by deeming the question “technically incorrect” and “out of place.”
Spokesperson Francesco Civita said that Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine differed fundamentally from ‘Israel's’ assault on Gaza, and Nunziati had failed to grasp this distinction despite explanations.
The agency also cited the video's circulation in unfavorable (pro-Russia and anti-’Israel’) channels as causing reputational harm.
Nunziati defended his question on Instagram, arguing it was grounded in facts like ‘Israel's’ extensive destruction in Gaza and ICC arrest warrants for ‘Israeli’ leaders.
The European Commission denied any involvement in the firing, reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and openness to questions.
