Italian journalist fired after asking if Israel should rebuild Gaza

An Italian journalist has been dismissed after asking a European Commission official whether Israel should pay for rebuilding Gaza following its devastation of the enclave.

Gabriele Nunziati, a Brussels-based correspondent for Rome’s Nova news agency, told The Intercept he was informed via email that his collaboration with the outlet would end, barely a month after starting his post.

The decision, first reported by Italy’s Fanpage website, came shortly after Nunziati questioned Paula Pinho, the European Commission’s chief spokesperson, at an October 13 press briefing.

“You’ve been repeating several times that Russia should pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine,” Nunziati said. “Do you believe that Israel should pay for the reconstruction of Gaza since they have destroyed almost all its civilian infrastructure?”

His dismissal has sparked criticism over media censorship and the growing intolerance towards journalists who challenge western double standards on Israel’s destruction of Gaza.