Spain rules out Morocco role in Ceuta migrant surge

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has stated that the recent surge of migrants to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, is still under investigation, while vehemently denouncing false information spread by the far-right. Over a month ago, approximately 70,000 individuals crossed from Morocco, leading to a Europe-wide migrant alert.

Despite the majority returning to Morocco soon after, thousands remain in Ceuta, many living on the streets. Rumors and disinformation, allegedly originating from Russia, Israel, and an ultra-right international group, began circulating on social media following July 30 and 31. Prime Minister Sánchez pointed out that both Russia and Israel were criticizing Spain over its stance on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, using the crisis to their advantage.

He also ruled out the involvement of Moroccan authorities in the sudden influx of migrants, citing no intelligence services suggesting otherwise. Sánchez emphasized the need for cooperation to resolve this crisis and promised an additional €168 million in aid for Ceuta to address the security and hygiene issues. Approximately 3,500 to 7,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, with some estimates suggesting as many as 10,000.