Inquiry held over the summer, featuring Bärbel Bas, investigating financial compensation for citizenship when a stranger passes away.

In the latest instalment of the CORRECTIV Spotlight series, we delve into the complex issues surrounding the Gaza Strip and the role of German Federal Minister for Labour and Social Affairs, Bärbel Bas. The article, edited by Gabriele Scherndl and contributed by Matthias Bau, discusses power, abuse, and moments that show society can do better.

The article sheds light on the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip, with the federal government's decision to no longer approve exports of arms that could be used in the region. However, the SPD press office confirmed that the correct figure is not hundreds, as previously claimed by Bärbel Bas, but rather 49 hostages kidnapped by Hamas in October 2023.

As of early September 2025, about 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to still be alive. Two hostages’ bodies have been recovered and returned to Israel, but the majority are still detained by Hamas.

The article also touches upon the issue of unemployment benefits in Germany. It is stated in the Social Security Code and the Reachability Regulation that benefits can be suspended if the recipient becomes unreachable or unknown to have moved. Vacations must also be announced to avoid suspension of benefits. However, the SPD press office did not provide a substantive response to the question about the alleged missing unemployment benefit regulations.

Bärbel Bas, who has been co-chair of the SPD since June 2025, also mentioned the issue of hunger in the Gaza Strip during the interview. She stated that Israel is surrounded by countries and regimes that want to destroy it.

For further fact-checks of the summer interviews 2025, readers are encouraged to visit multiple links provided in the article. The article serves as a call for transparency and accountability, highlighting both the challenges and the potential for improvement in the Gaza Strip and beyond.