The recent examination of the massive influx of migrants into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in North Africa has escalated tensions between Spain and Israel. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his concerns on Monday regarding the spread of "misinformation" leading up to the migration crisis, specifically pointing fingers at Israel and Russia. In a sharp rebuttal, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused Sánchez of spreading a "shameless lie."
Sánchez, speaking on the Cadena Ser radio station, indicated that his government is continuing to investigate the reasons behind the influx of migrants into Ceuta from a month ago. However, he dismissed any accountability of Moroccan authorities in the events that transpired in Ceuta, noting that no intelligence agency with which the Madrid government typically collaborates has provided any indication that Moroccan officials were "in any way" involved in the occurrences.
Moreover, Sánchez criticized the dissemination of "misinformation" surrounding a court ruling in Spain. He stated, "What we know up to this point is that a decision by the Supreme Court on July 8 has been distorted." Various reports suggested that migrants arriving in Ceuta by swimming could not be deported back to Morocco, which Sánchez labeled as incorrect.
Legal Rulings and Criminal Organizations
The court ruling mandated that immediate deportation of migrants illegally crossing the border does not apply to those who arrive by sea. Sánchez alleged that this court decision was propagated through online platforms via rumors and disinformation, and even by criminal organizations involved in human trafficking. Following the influx of migrants into Ceuta at the end of July, rumors and misinformation were circulated via online services connected to Russia and Israel, as well as an ultra-right international movement that exploits the migration issue not only to attack Spain but also to create divisions within Europe, Sánchez elaborated.
The Spanish leftist government is pursuing a liberal approach to migration policy. However, Sánchez emphasized that the "misinformation" he has decried is not a result of Russia and Israel being concerned about migration in Spain or Europe. Instead, the underlying motive reflects the political stance of his government regarding the "genocide in Gaza or Putin's invasion of Ukraine."
Over 72,000 Migrants Arrived in Ceuta
On July 30 and 31, more than 72,000 individuals, predominantly Moroccan, reached Ceuta on foot or by swimming from Morocco. Most returned shortly thereafter or were repatriated. According to the Spanish government, approximately 5,000 migrants remain in the exclave, while local authorities estimate the number to be around 10,000. Official reports indicate that at least 91 individuals lost their lives during the mass influx, although Moroccan non-governmental organizations claim the death toll is at least 141, with dozens still missing.
As reported by br.de.
