Spanish North Africa enclave: Death toll in Ceuta rises to 72

In the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, the number of dead has risen to 72 following a massive influx of migrants. Shops, cafes, and restaurants that had been closed due to the chaotic scenes have gradually reopened. The streets are filled with residents carrying shopping bags, and families with children play on the beaches, as reported by the Spanish state TV channel RTVE.

However, the political debate over the causes and consequences of the crisis, which has resulted in dozens of fatalities, is expected to continue between Spain and the EU. According to the Spanish government, most of the around 50,000 to 60,000 people who arrived in the enclave, mostly on Wednesday and Thursday from Morocco, have since returned.

There are still 3,000 security forces stationed in Ceuta to deal with the crisis, who are to remain "as long as necessary," according to the interior ministry. Some hundred new arrivals are still present in Ceuta, but the situation is calmer, RTVE reported. A reporter for the channel noted that attempts to cross the sea to reach the enclave have not been observed.

Regional President Juan Jesús Vivas paints a different picture, denying that normalcy has returned and stating that thousands of migrants remain in Ceuta. Vivas, who belongs to the conservative People's Party PP and criticizes the left-wing Central Government, claims that the influx is an "invasion." Some migrants are still hiding in Ceuta, but most are returning, according to RTVE interviews with residents. Some have taken refuge under streetwalks or in parks, while others have decided to remain.