The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has attributed the spread of false information regarding the mass influx of migrants into the North African enclave of Ceuta to networks linked to Russia and Israel. In a recent interview with Cadena SER, Sánchez stated that rumors and disinformation had been disseminated through online platforms associated with these countries, as well as connections to an 'international far-right movement.' According to Sánchez, the European External Action Service provided the Spanish government with information regarding the affiliations of these networks.
Ceuta and Melilla, Spain's other enclave in North Africa, represent the only land borders of the European Union on the African continent. Morocco has claimed both cities as territories occupied by Spain since its independence in 1956.
Israel Denies the Allegations
In response to Sánchez's claims, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar swiftly rejected the accusations. Saar accused Sánchez of 'brazenly' lying by blaming Israel for spreading misleading information regarding the events in Ceuta, asserting that such claims serve only to distract from Sánchez's 'shameful failure' in governing Spain.
Sánchez emphasized that if Russia and Israel are indeed involved in this matter, their interest lies not in migration but rather in Spain's stance on the 'genocide in Gaza' and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. On July 30 and 31, approximately 72,000 individuals reportedly reached Ceuta by swimming or climbing over border fences from Morocco, according to the Spanish Interior Ministry. Official reports indicate that at least 96 people lost their lives during this crisis, while Moroccan NGOs claim the death toll to be at least 141.
According to Sánchez, over 90 percent of the migrants have since returned to Morocco. Currently, around 5,000 individuals without regular residency status remain in Ceuta, including 1,200 unaccompanied minors.
Misinformation Following Court Ruling
As a specific trigger for the crisis, Sánchez pointed to the distorted representation of a Supreme Court ruling from July 8. False reports circulated online suggested that migrants arriving by sea could not be sent back to Morocco. These misleading claims were also propagated by 'criminal organizations involved in human trafficking.' Sánchez dismissed any involvement by Moroccan authorities, stating that no intelligence had provided evidence indicating that Rabat was 'in any way involved.'
On Monday, Italy extended border controls to Spain, initially implemented in response to the surge, by an additional 15 days. Spain subsequently announced a similar extension.
As reported by berliner-zeitung.de.
