Italian journalist fired for exposing EU’s hypocrisy on Gaza in another casualty in the war on truth

By isabelle // 2025-11-06

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A journalist was fired for asking if Israel should pay for Gaza’s reconstruction like Russia must for Ukraine.
The EU refused to answer, then his employer claimed the question was "technically incorrect" before terminating him.
More than 240 journalists have been killed in Gaza, while Western media faces censorship for questioning Israel’s actions.
The EU’s double standard, demanding Russia pay for Ukraine but ignoring Israel’s destruction, exposes deep hypocrisy.
Silencing journalists like Nunziati threatens press freedom and leaves the public misinformed about war crimes.

When a reporter dares to ask the questions no one else will, the backlash can be swift. Gabriele Nunziati, an Italian journalist covering the European Union, learned this the hard way after his employer, Agenzia Nova, terminated him for simply asking whether Israel should pay for Gaza’s reconstruction, just as Brussels has demanded of Russia for Ukraine. The question, posed during an October 13 press conference, was straightforward: “You’ve been repeating several times that Russia should pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Do you believe Israel should repay for the reconstruction of Gaza, since they destroyed almost all of the strip and civilian infrastructure?” The European Commission’s response? Silence. Spokesperson Paula Pinho called it an “interesting question” before refusing to comment. Two weeks later, Nunziati was out of a job.

A question too dangerous to ask

Agenzia Nova claimed Nunziati’s question was “technically incorrect” because Russia “invaded a country” while Israel was “responding to armed aggression.” But this justification crumbles under scrutiny. The EU has repeatedly framed Russia’s actions in Ukraine as an unprovoked invasion, yet when it comes to Israel’s devastating military campaign in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of civilians and leveled entire neighborhoods, the same moral clarity vanishes. The agency’s real concern? The video of Nunziati’s question went viral, shared by critics of Western double standards, including Russian and pro-Palestinian media. Rather than defending journalistic integrity, Nova bowed to pressure, proving that some questions are simply too dangerous to ask.

A chilling effect on press freedom

Nunziati’s firing is not an isolated incident. Western journalists face increasing retaliation for challenging the official narrative on Israel’s war. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that more than 240 reporters have been killed in Gaza, with nearly 100 imprisoned by Israeli forces. Meanwhile, in the West, dissent is met with censorship, job losses, and smear campaigns. The National Council of the Italian Journalists Guild condemned Nova’s decision, stating: “You cannot be fired for asking a question.” Sandro Ruotolo, a European Parliament member, called it “a very serious matter” that should alarm anyone who values press freedom. Nicola Fratoianni, leader of Sinistra Italiana, demanded Nunziati’s reinstatement, arguing that Italy “needs journalists with a straight back.” Yet the damage is done. Another journalist silenced. Another warning to those who might dare to speak truth to power.

The EU’s double standard exposed

The EU’s insistence that Russia must pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction while ignoring Israel’s obliteration of Gaza reveals a glaring hypocrisy. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military has reduced much of Gaza to rubble, displaced millions, and imposed a blockade that has pushed the territory to the brink of famine. The EU, however, has not only failed to demand accountability; it has actively suppressed questions about it. Nunziati’s dismissal sends a clear message: When it comes to Israel, critical journalism is not tolerated. The EU’s selective outrage, condemning Russian aggression while excusing Israeli devastation, exposes a foreign policy driven not by principle, but by political expediency. This is not the first time a journalist has been punished for questioning Western support for Israel, and in the U.S., mainstream outlets have fired or sidelined journalists for deviating from the pro-Israel narrative. The result? A media landscape where dissent is stifled and the public is fed a sanitized version of events. Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, and the world’s most powerful institutions look the other way.

The cost of silence

Nunziati’s firing is more than just a professional setback; it’s a symptom of a broader crisis in journalism. When reporters are punished for asking tough questions, the real losers are the public, left in the dark about the truths that powerful interests want to bury. The question remains: If journalists cannot challenge official narratives without fear of retaliation, who will hold the powerful to account? And if the EU cannot apply its own standards consistently, what does that say about its commitment to justice? Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co TheIntercept.com MiddleEastEye.net