Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced signs indicating that disinformation regarding Spain’s migration policy had been spread by Russia and Israel. This misinformation triggered a massive influx of migrants into Ceuta last month. However, Sanchez emphasized there was no evidence of Moroccan involvement in the incident.
Between July 30 and 31, over 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta. This surge at one of the EU’s only land borders with Africa sparked significant concern within the bloc. Tragically, at least 100 people died attempting the crossing, according to Ceuta’s local authorities.
Sanchez rejected claims by Spanish opposition parties and some human rights groups that Morocco deliberately allowed the mass crossing. He clarified this stance in an interview with radio station SER.
“When people talk and speculate about the participation of Moroccan authorities, I deny this outright,” Sanchez stated.
Misleading videos on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok falsely suggested that migrants reaching Ceuta could remain in Spain. This spurred thousands to attempt the crossing, as identified by Spanish authorities.
Research conducted by the EU’s diplomatic service EEAS suggested that Russian and Israeli networks had been involved in disseminating this disinformation, alongside far-right networks. Sanchez noted criticism from these countries stemmed from dissatisfaction with Madrid’s stance on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. However, he provided no additional evidence to support these claims.
At the time of reporting, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia’s Embassy in Spain, and the EEAS had not commented on the matter.
Rising Tensions in Ceuta
In Ceuta, approximately 5,000 migrants, some of whom are seeking asylum, remain following the border rush. This situation has led to frequent protests from locals expressing dissatisfaction with the Spanish government’s handling of the crisis. There have also been sporadic attacks on a makeshift migrant camp at El Trampolin beach.
Police reported the arrest of three Moroccan citizens on Sunday for throwing bottles filled with corrosive liquid at an army patrol in Ceuta. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, according to news agency EFE.
Sanchez also announced additional government measures in response to the situation. The cabinet is allocating €168 million ($195 million) in emergency funds to boost Ceuta’s economy. This amount equals 8% of the enclave’s GDP, supplementing the €180 million previously pledged for medium-term recovery efforts.
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