Spain’s PM says no evidence Morocco planned Ceuta border rush

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that Moroccan authorities orchestrated the deadly July border rush into Spain's Ceuta enclave. This assertion comes after a police report emerged, which claimed that the mass entry was not a spontaneous migration but a meticulously planned and phased operation.

Sanchez emphasized that the Spanish government has not received any solid evidence from any international body, including diplomatic services or the European Commission, supporting the notion of a coordinated effort by Morocco. However, he did acknowledge that Moroccan Gendarmes facilitated crossings during a critical 10-hour window on July 30, when the flow of migrants reached its peak.

Sanchez also mentioned that Spanish authorities are still uncertain whether this facilitation was due to a lack of action or the inability to manage the influx. A police report, accessible to Reuters, suggested that Moroccan security forces were initially present in fewer numbers than expected near the Tarajal breakwater, separating Ceuta from Morocco.

The report indicated that some Moroccan officers allegedly directed the crowd towards the crossing point, while unidentified individuals seemed to guide or monitor their movement. Despite these allegations, Moroccan officials have firmly denied any involvement in enabling the crossing.