Spanish PM blames Russia, Israel for disinformation in Ceuta migrant crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed Russia and Israel for spreading disinformation about Spain's migration policy that led to last month's surge of migrants into Ceuta. However, there was no evidence of Moroccan involvement in the crisis, which saw over 72,000 irregular migrants crossing from Morocco into the Spanish territory between July 30 and 31, prompting alarm across the EU.

At least 100 people died during the attempt. Sanchez also denied accusations from Spanish opposition parties and some human rights groups that Moroccan authorities had deliberately allowed the mass crossing, which they have denied. The Spanish government accused Russian and Israeli networks, along with far-right networks, of spreading misleading claims on social media about migrants reaching Ceuta by sea being able to remain in Spain.

Sanchez said the EU's diplomatic service had found evidence of the involvement of these networks. The crisis has triggered near-daily protests by locals against the Spanish government's handling of the situation and attacks on a migrant camp at El Trampolin beach. Sanchez announced a €168 million (US$195 million) emergency fund to help reactivating Ceuta's economy, equivalent to 8% of the enclave's GDP, on top of the €180 million already pledged for medium-term recovery efforts.