Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated on Monday that there are indications indicating Russia and Israel have disseminated disinformation regarding Spain’s migration policy, which contributed to last month’s rush of migrants into Ceuta, although he found no evidence implicating Moroccan authorities, reports BritPanorama.
In an unprecedented surge, over 72,000 migrants irregularly crossed from Morocco into the small Spanish territory from July 30 to 31, raising alarm among the European Union nations. Local authorities in Ceuta reported that at least 100 people died attempting the crossing.
Spanish opposition parties and human rights organizations have alleged that Morocco intentionally facilitated this mass migration, a claim which Moroccan officials have denied.
“When people talk and speculate about the participation of Moroccan authorities, I deny this outright,” Sanchez told radio station SER.
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok were cited by Spanish authorities as having circulated misleading information suggesting that migrants reaching Ceuta by sea would be allowed to stay in Spain, which spurred thousands to attempt the dangerous crossing.
Sanchez mentioned that research by the EU’s diplomatic service, the EEAS, suggested that Russian and Israeli networks were involved in spreading this disinformation alongside far-right groups.
He expressed concerns that Russia and Israel had leveraged the situation to question Spain’s position on both the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in Gaza but did not provide further details on the evidence supporting these claims.
The ministries of foreign affairs for Israel and Russia, as well as the EEAS, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Rising tensions in Ceuta
Approximately 5,000 migrants, many of whom are seeking asylum, remain in Ceuta following the initial border rush. This situation has led to almost daily protests from local residents against the Spanish government’s crisis management and sporadic incidents of violence targeted at a makeshift migrant camp on El Trampolin beach, according to police reports.
On Sunday, police arrested three Moroccan individuals for throwing bottles containing corrosive substances at an army patrol in Ceuta, although no injuries were reported.
In response to the crisis, Sanchez announced on Monday the release of an additional €168 million ($195 million) in emergency funds aimed at revitalizing Ceuta’s economy. This amount represents 8% of the enclave’s gross domestic product and is in addition to a previous commitment of €180 million for medium-term recovery plans.
