Ceuta: The border where Spain, Morocco, Israel, and the United States converge - opinion

The recent crisis in Ceuta is not just a migration issue; it represents a deeper transformation in the strategic balance of the Western Mediterranean. Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Israel, and the United States are all key players in this geopolitical chessboard. Spain and Morocco must cooperate, but they also have conflicting interests. Ceuta, Melilla, Western Sahara, the Canary Islands, migration flows, energy routes, and control of the Strait of Gibraltar all play a part in this strategic equation.

Legally and historically, Spain has claimed Ceuta for centuries, while Morocco asserts its own claim. These competing narratives make Ceuta one of the most sensitive disputes in the region. Morocco's strategic interest in Ceuta involves projecting influence across Africa, securing access to resources, developing renewable energy, and maintaining its position against Algeria.

On July 20, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Algeria, meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Ten days later, Ceuta saw a massive influx of Moroccan migrants, overwhelming the border. These events show that shifts in regional power are often conveyed through border disputes.

Morocco envisions a "Greater Morocco" that includes Western Sahara, Ceuta, and Melilla. They have deepened diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Africa and the Atlantic. Tanger Med, one of the Mediterranean's leading ports, is a key part of this strategy.

Morocco's normalization of relations with Israel is a significant geopolitical shift. In exchange for US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, Morocco gained a prominent position in Washington's Middle East and North Africa strategy. This relationship was further solidified after the Abraham Accords.

Moroccan statesman André Azoulay, a key figure in Morocco's quiet diplomacy, plays a pivotal role in maintaining this relationship with the US. Meanwhile, Spain has recognized Palestine, a move that has strained relations with Israel and the US. Spain must balance its traditional alliances with Morocco and the US while maintaining regional stability.

With nearly 80,000 residents, including a historic Sephardi Jewish community, Ceuta's future hinges not just on managing migration but also on maintaining strong international ties. Ceuta is a microcosm of the broader geopolitical shifts happening in the Western Mediterranean.