'Morocco has given me nothing': The young migrants risking everything to reach Ceuta

In a recent humanitarian crisis, thousands of young Moroccans have risked their lives in an attempt to cross into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave. The migrants, who have fled economic despair, have been met with forced deportations by Spanish authorities. According to recent data, 72,000 people entered Ceuta from Morocco last week, and 70,000 have since been returned.

The Spanish government attributes the surge to a viral online campaign following a Spanish Supreme Court ruling, but the true cause remains unclear. Speculation ranges from Moroccan complicity to Israeli or US involvement, due to Spain's stance against the Gaza genocide and war on Iran. At least 141 people have died in the crossing, with the number expected to rise.

Moroccans, including children, feel they have no choice but to risk their lives for a better future. Human rights organizations attribute full responsibility to the Moroccan state for the exodus, comparing the situation to war zones. Moroccan authorities claim the surge is due to misinformation on social media and human trafficking networks.

However, human rights activists and eyewitness accounts suggest that Moroccan border security and police actively encouraged migrants to cross. Despite holding diplomas, many migrants, like Hamza and Asmae, feel that Morocco does not value their education and offers no opportunities for a better life. The latest wave of migrants consists mostly of young Moroccans, marking a shift from previous crises where sub-Saharan migrants were the primary crossing group.