Spanish officials on Wednesday declared that the sovereignty of its North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, with Morocco is not up for negotiation. Spain's Foreign Ministry said Spain's territorial ​integrity "has not been, and ​will never be, discussed ⁠with anyone". This comes in response to a statement by Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, which raised sovereignty claims over the cities. It was the first prominent public push by Rabat for the enclaves since the massive border crisis in Ceuta in July, during which an estimated 72,000 migrants briefly crossed ⁠into the enclave. Around 96 people died in the border rush.&nbsp;Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles dismissed Morocco's claims, stating the enclaves are "super-Spanish and cannot be touched".&nbsp;"Ceuta and Melilla aren't just Spanish; they're super-Spanish and cannot be ​touched," Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles told reporters in Ceuta when asked about Ouahbi's comments. "Any attack on Ceuta and ‌Melilla is an attack on Spain as a whole. It must never happen again," she added, referring to the border crisis.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sam-altman-death-hoax-wikipedia-google-fake-edit-1786555390001">Sam Altman falsely declared dead on Wikipedia as Google briefly picks up fake edit</a>Spain has always maintained that Melilla and Ceuta have been integral Spanish territories since the 15th and 17th centuries, predating modern Moroccan boundaries. While Morocco regards Ceuta and Melilla as occupied by Spain, arguing that sovereignty over them should ultimately be transferred to Rabat. Despite differences in rhetoric, the Spanish government has largely praised Moroccan authorities for their cooperation. The official statement from both sides are that human trafficking networks engineered the crisis by weaponising social media to spread fake news.&nbsp;Separately, Morocco's Interior Ministry said in a statement that it had increased security in response to an online call for another mass crossing attempt on August 15. It warned that it would prosecute organisers ​and participants. Wednesday, "The ⁠ministry calls on everyone to remain vigilant and responsible and not to be drawn into such suspicious and misleading calls, given the risks they may pose to people's lives."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Spain rejects Morocco’s renewed sovereignty claims over Ceuta and Melilla, with Madrid declaring its territorial integrity is not up for negotiation.

Spanish officials on Wednesday declared that the sovereignty of its North African enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla, with Morocco is not up for negotiation. Spain's Foreign Ministry said Spain's territorial integrity "has not been, and will never be, discussed ⁠with anyone". This comes in response to a statement by Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi, which raised sovereignty claims over the cities. It was the first prominent public push by Rabat for the enclaves since the massive border crisis in Ceuta in July, during which an estimated 72,000 migrants briefly crossed ⁠into the enclave. Around 96 people died in the border rush. Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles dismissed Morocco's claims, stating the enclaves are "super-Spanish and cannot be touched". "Ceuta and Melilla aren't just Spanish; they're super-Spanish and cannot be touched," Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles told reporters in Ceuta when asked about Ouahbi's comments. "Any attack on Ceuta and ‌Melilla is an attack on Spain as a whole. It must never happen again," she added, referring to the border crisis. Also Read: Sam Altman falsely declared dead on Wikipedia as Google briefly picks up fake edit Spain has always maintained that Melilla and Ceuta have been integral Spanish territories since the 15th and 17th centuries, predating modern Moroccan boundaries. While Morocco regards Ceuta and Melilla as occupied by Spain, arguing that sovereignty over them should ultimately be transferred to Rabat. Despite differences in rhetoric, the Spanish government has largely praised Moroccan authorities for their cooperation. The official statement from both sides are that human trafficking networks engineered the crisis by weaponising social media to spread fake news. Separately, Morocco's Interior Ministry said in a statement that it had increased security in response to an online call for another mass crossing attempt on August 15. It warned that it would prosecute organisers and participants. Wednesday, "The ⁠ministry calls on everyone to remain vigilant and responsible and not to be drawn into such suspicious and misleading calls, given the risks they may pose to people's lives."

Spain rejects Morocco’s renewed sovereignty claims over Ceuta and Melilla, with Madrid declaring its territorial integrity is not up for negotiation.

Spain rejects Morocco’s Ceuta, Melilla claims: ‘Super-Spanish and cannot be touched’

Spain announced on Friday that it would introduce temporary border checks on travellers arriving from Italy, escalating a dispute between the two European countries over migration controls.&nbsp;The checks will begin at midnight on Saturday and remain in place until September 7, Spain's interior ministry said. The ministry said the decision came "amid the persistent irregular migration pressure" facing Italy.&nbsp;The move followed Italy's decision to impose similar measures on travellers from Spain after a mass influx of migrants into Ceuta. Spain had earlier warned that it could take countermeasures if Rome did not quickly remove its checks. Italy rejected the demand.&nbsp;The dispute has created an unusual rift between two European Union and NATO allies. It began after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African territory of Ceuta on July 30 and 31 in an unprecedented and deadly rush.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/60-000-migrants-flood-spain-s-ceuta-eu-calls-it-unacceptable-trump-warns-us-1785507085760">60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US</a><h2>Ceuta crossings trigger crisis</h2>The sudden influx of around 60,000 migrants from Morocco into Ceuta has created a major challenge for Spain and raised concerns across the European Union.&nbsp;The number of arrivals was particularly significant compared with Ceuta's population of around 80,000. Local regional president Juan Jesus Vivas estimated that nearly 60,000 people entered the Spanish territory over two or three days.&nbsp;Madrid responded by increasing security in the enclave. Spain deployed troops and additional police personnel, along with divers, drones and boats.&nbsp;Most of the migrants who entered the territory have since returned to Morocco. At least 67 people died during the latest surge in crossings.&nbsp;The scale of the movement also prompted concern among EU members. Leaders from 22 of the bloc's 27 countries called for urgent talks between EU interior ministers to coordinate a response and prevent further uncontrolled crossings.&nbsp;<h2>Italy and Spain clash over border controls</h2>Italy took a tough position following the arrivals and called for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen zone. Rome also imposed a one-month suspension of visa-free travel under the Schengen arrangement with Spain.&nbsp;Madrid strongly criticised the decision and described it as "unfair, contrary to the EU's interests and discriminatory for the Spanish population".&nbsp;Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called the move "a torpedo fired at the hull of European unity.""We urge the government of Italy to rectify, put an end to the checks and treat Spaniards like other European citizens," the Spanish government said.&nbsp;Spain also warned that it would take "proportional measures" by Sunday if Italy did not withdraw its border checks.&nbsp;With Rome refusing to immediately lift the measures, Madrid announced its own temporary checks, bringing the migration dispute into a wider confrontation over movement within Europe.

Spain has imposed temporary border checks on travellers from Italy after Rome introduced similar measures following the mass migrant influx into Ceuta, escalating tensions between the two EU allies.

Spain announced on Friday that it would introduce temporary border checks on travellers arriving from Italy, escalating a dispute between the two European countries over migration controls. The checks will begin at midnight on Saturday and remain in place until September 7, Spain's interior ministry said. The ministry said the decision came "amid the persistent irregular migration pressure" facing Italy. The move followed Italy's decision to impose similar measures on travellers from Spain after a mass influx of migrants into Ceuta. Spain had earlier warned that it could take countermeasures if Rome did not quickly remove its checks. Italy rejected the demand. The dispute has created an unusual rift between two European Union and NATO allies. It began after tens of thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Spain's North African territory of Ceuta on July 30 and 31 in an unprecedented and deadly rush. Also Read: 60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US Ceuta crossings trigger crisis The sudden influx of around 60,000 migrants from Morocco into Ceuta has created a major challenge for Spain and raised concerns across the European Union. The number of arrivals was particularly significant compared with Ceuta's population of around 80,000. Local regional president Juan Jesus Vivas estimated that nearly 60,000 people entered the Spanish territory over two or three days. Madrid responded by increasing security in the enclave. Spain deployed troops and additional police personnel, along with divers, drones and boats. Most of the migrants who entered the territory have since returned to Morocco. At least 67 people died during the latest surge in crossings. The scale of the movement also prompted concern among EU members. Leaders from 22 of the bloc's 27 countries called for urgent talks between EU interior ministers to coordinate a response and prevent further uncontrolled crossings. Italy and Spain clash over border controls Italy took a tough position following the arrivals and called for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen zone. Rome also imposed a one-month suspension of visa-free travel under the Schengen arrangement with Spain. Madrid strongly criticised the decision and described it as "unfair, contrary to the EU's interests and discriminatory for the Spanish population". Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called the move "a torpedo fired at the hull of European unity." "We urge the government of Italy to rectify, put an end to the checks and treat Spaniards like other European citizens," the Spanish government said. Spain also warned that it would take "proportional measures" by Sunday if Italy did not withdraw its border checks. With Rome refusing to immediately lift the measures, Madrid announced its own temporary checks, bringing the migration dispute into a wider confrontation over movement within Europe.

Spain has imposed temporary border checks on travellers from Italy after Rome introduced similar measures following the mass migrant influx into Ceuta, escalating tensions between the two EU allies.

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

A social media clash has ensued between Spain and Israel following the massive migrant surge in Ceuta, a Spanish North African enclave. Around 60,000 migrants tried to cross into the disputed Spanish enclave, mostly swimming around the small border post that juts into the Mediterranean Sea. The Spanish government announced on Saturday that at least 67 people have been killed, while declaring that the issue was addressed with migrants returning from the enclave.&nbsp;<h2>Ceuta has been a point of dispute</h2>Ceuta and another Spanish-controlled enclave, Melilla, have been a point of dispute between Spain and Morocco. Morocco is the only Arab nation to have signed an open, formal defence pact with Israel. They have normalised relations, and Israel has formally agreed to Morocco's claim over Western Sahara. The ruling royal family has maintained unwavering strategic ties with Israel; the relationship faces consistent internal domestic protests over genocide in Gaza.The Moroccan Association of Human Rights, which held the Moroccan state responsible for the development, condemned "the worrying silence of officials and institutions" which have still not responded publicly to the crisis. It was clearly not a coincidence that roughly 60000 migrants all chose the same day to cross to the territory.Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed the sudden influx on human trafficking mafias who exaggerated a Supreme Court ruling in July that barred authorities from immediately returning migrants who arrive by sea. Ignacio Cembrero, a Spanish journalist specialised in migration in North Africa, said that &nbsp;“without a doubt, the July 8 ruling has played a role… but that doesn’t explain the level of mobilisation.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indonesia-ferry-fire-east-java-5-dead-41-missing-1785664276853">Indonesia ferry fire: 5 dead, 41 missing after passenger ship catches fire off East Java coast</a><h2>Why is Spain hinting at Israel?</h2>&nbsp;Spain's Sánchez government has been notably critical of Israel; it recognised a Palestinian state in 2024, has criticised Israeli conduct in Gaza, and Sánchez himself called the Ceuta crossing an "attack on Spain's territorial integrity" while facing criticism from Danon. He has also repeatedly angered the Trump administration over NATO spending, base access during Iran operations, and with his posture toward Washington.Middle East Forum fellow Amine Ayoub wrote an April article proposing that Israel should back Morocco's claim to Ceuta and Melilla as a way to pressure Spain over its criticism of Israel and the US, laying out diplomatic signalling, lobbying through Washington, and accusations of hypocrisy as tactics. Michael Rubin of Middle East Forum and former Pentagon advisor also publicly called on Trump to formally recognise the enclaves as occupied Moroccan territory, and separately urged Morocco's king to organise a march to "reclaim" them.On several other occasions, US President and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have denounced Sanchez publicly. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart told a Spanish outlet in April that Ceuta and Melilla “are not part of Spain but lie within Moroccan territory,” though he noted actual US recognition would be an administration decision.A House Appropriations Committee document in late April went further institutionally, describing Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish-administered cities "located in Moroccan territory" and backing Secretary of State Rubio's efforts to encourage dialogue on their “future status”, the first time a US legislative body cast doubt on Spanish sovereignty there.<h2>The ongoing Social media feud between Israeli and Spanish leadership&nbsp;</h2>This has been fuelled by the ongoing social feud. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticised Madrid's handling of the crisis, in a post on the social media platform X, he said that Spain has forfeited its moral authority, “Spain, which never misses an opportunity to lecture Israel, has declared a state of emergency in Ceuta following the crisis over its immigration policy,” he continued, "Maybe before it continues lecturing us, it's time it explained to the world why it still maintains colonial enclaves in Africa."Spanish transport minister Oscar Puente responded with a <a href="https://x.com/oscar_puente_/status/2083111016468984231?s=20">post</a>,&nbsp;"Well, things are starting to get pretty clear."Even though the Spanish Transport minister did not provide any elaborate explanation on his social media post, Spanish media widely interpreted Danon's message and ran with it, lending credibility to the conspiracy theories going around about possible Israeli involvement in the crisis, despite no credible evidence linking Israel to the crisis.&nbsp;Israel's charge&nbsp;d'affaires in Spain, Dana Erlich, publicly distanced the government from Danon's comments, saying that it did not reflect official Israeli policy. “The comment made by Israel's Ambassador to the UN on the issue does not represent the position of the State of Israel.” &nbsp;

Spain and Israel traded barbs after the Ceuta migrant crisis. Here's why Israel is being linked, what officials said, and the facts behind the claims.

A social media clash has ensued between Spain and Israel following the massive migrant surge in Ceuta, a Spanish North African enclave. Around 60,000 migrants tried to cross into the disputed Spanish enclave, mostly swimming around the small border post that juts into the Mediterranean Sea. The Spanish government announced on Saturday that at least 67 people have been killed, while declaring that the issue was addressed with migrants returning from the enclave. Ceuta has been a point of dispute Ceuta and another Spanish-controlled enclave, Melilla, have been a point of dispute between Spain and Morocco. Morocco is the only Arab nation to have signed an open, formal defence pact with Israel. They have normalised relations, and Israel has formally agreed to Morocco's claim over Western Sahara. The ruling royal family has maintained unwavering strategic ties with Israel; the relationship faces consistent internal domestic protests over genocide in Gaza. The Moroccan Association of Human Rights, which held the Moroccan state responsible for the development, condemned "the worrying silence of officials and institutions" which have still not responded publicly to the crisis. It was clearly not a coincidence that roughly 60000 migrants all chose the same day to cross to the territory. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed the sudden influx on human trafficking mafias who exaggerated a Supreme Court ruling in July that barred authorities from immediately returning migrants who arrive by sea. Ignacio Cembrero, a Spanish journalist specialised in migration in North Africa, said that “without a doubt, the July 8 ruling has played a role… but that doesn’t explain the level of mobilisation.” Also Read: Indonesia ferry fire: 5 dead, 41 missing after passenger ship catches fire off East Java coast Why is Spain hinting at Israel? Spain's Sánchez government has been notably critical of Israel; it recognised a Palestinian state in 2024, has criticised Israeli conduct in Gaza, and Sánchez himself called the Ceuta crossing an "attack on Spain's territorial integrity" while facing criticism from Danon. He has also repeatedly angered the Trump administration over NATO spending, base access during Iran operations, and with his posture toward Washington. Middle East Forum fellow Amine Ayoub wrote an April article proposing that Israel should back Morocco's claim to Ceuta and Melilla as a way to pressure Spain over its criticism of Israel and the US, laying out diplomatic signalling, lobbying through Washington, and accusations of hypocrisy as tactics. Michael Rubin of Middle East Forum and former Pentagon advisor also publicly called on Trump to formally recognise the enclaves as occupied Moroccan territory, and separately urged Morocco's king to organise a march to "reclaim" them. On several other occasions, US President and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have denounced Sanchez publicly. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart told a Spanish outlet in April that Ceuta and Melilla “are not part of Spain but lie within Moroccan territory,” though he noted actual US recognition would be an administration decision.A House Appropriations Committee document in late April went further institutionally, describing Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish-administered cities "located in Moroccan territory" and backing Secretary of State Rubio's efforts to encourage dialogue on their “future status”, the first time a US legislative body cast doubt on Spanish sovereignty there. The ongoing Social media feud between Israeli and Spanish leadership This has been fuelled by the ongoing social feud. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticised Madrid's handling of the crisis, in a post on the social media platform X, he said that Spain has forfeited its moral authority, “Spain, which never misses an opportunity to lecture Israel, has declared a state of emergency in Ceuta following the crisis over its immigration policy,” he continued, "Maybe before it continues lecturing us, it's time it explained to the world why it still maintains colonial enclaves in Africa." Spanish transport minister Oscar Puente responded with a post, "Well, things are starting to get pretty clear." Even though the Spanish Transport minister did not provide any elaborate explanation on his social media post, Spanish media widely interpreted Danon's message and ran with it, lending credibility to the conspiracy theories going around about possible Israeli involvement in the crisis, despite no credible evidence linking Israel to the crisis. Israel's charge d'affaires in Spain, Dana Erlich, publicly distanced the government from Danon's comments, saying that it did not reflect official Israeli policy. “The comment made by Israel's Ambassador to the UN on the issue does not represent the position of the State of Israel.”

Spain and Israel traded barbs after the Ceuta migrant crisis. Here's why Israel is being linked, what officials said, and the facts behind the claims.

Spain-Israel social media feud erupts after Ceuta migrant crisis: Why Israel is being linked

Spain is facing one of its most serious migration emergencies after tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. Spanish authorities say at least 67 migrants died during the mass crossing, with many drowning at sea or being crushed near the border breakwater.

Officials estimate that around 50,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta, while local authorities put the figure even higher. Most migrants have since returned voluntarily to Morocco, but the humanitarian and political fallout continues to grow.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as a violation of Spain's territorial integrity and blamed human trafficking networks for spreading false hopes among migrants. Spain has also installed an inflatable sea barrier to strengthen border security.

Spain's Ceuta Migrant Crisis Deepens | 67 Dead As Tens Of Thousands Return To Morocco

Most of the up to 60,000 migrants who entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco have now returned, while at least 67 people died during the latest surge in crossings, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska said on Saturday.&nbsp;The migrants crossed into Ceuta in large numbers, with many reportedly swimming around a small frontier post extending into the Mediterranean Sea. By Saturday, authorities said the situation had largely returned to normal as most of those who entered the enclave went back to Morocco.&nbsp;"Almost all of them have already left Ceuta," the minister said when asked about the tens of thousands of migrants who had crossed into the enclave. "The situation has been almost entirely reversed."<h2>Sanchez blames traffickers</h2>Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed people traffickers for the sudden influx. He said trafficking groups had spread rumours about a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that irregular migrants arriving by sea could not be immediately returned.&nbsp;"What has emerged from our talks with Moroccan authorities is that trafficking mafias took a self-serving interpretation of a Supreme Court ruling," he said. That interpretation "spread like wildfire in recent hours."&nbsp;Spain's Supreme Court issued the ruling on July 8. It stated that the immediate return of migrants without an administrative expulsion procedure does not apply to those who arrive by sea.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/60-000-migrants-flood-spain-s-ceuta-eu-calls-it-unacceptable-trump-warns-us-1785507085760">60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US</a><h2>Why migrants returned</h2>Many migrants later chose to return voluntarily after finding that Ceuta lacked sufficient food and shelter for the sudden influx. One young man from Tangier said he had gone without food for more than 24 hours, while some others claimed that the Spanish army had forcibly removed them.&nbsp;Many migrants had crossed hoping to find better employment, but they encountered chaos and realised that the overwhelmed city could not offer immediate job opportunities.<h2>EU seeks urgent talks; France rejects Schengen exit</h2>The sudden influx of tens of thousands of people into Ceuta also raised concerns across the European Union. Leaders from 22 of the bloc's 27 member states called for urgent talks among EU interior ministers to coordinate a response and prevent further uncontrolled crossings.&nbsp;In an open letter, the leaders called for a swift and coordinated response to the situation."We have a duty to deter and relentlessly combat illegal migration effectively," it said.&nbsp;France, meanwhile, ruled out seeking Spain's suspension from the Schengen zone, a set of laws that allows free movement across the 29-nation bloc, &nbsp; following the mass crossings into Ceuta. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said there was no such proposal under consideration and stressed the cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;"Spain does not need to leave the Schengen zone. It's absolutely not on the table. We have great cooperation with Spain," he told reporters.&nbsp;Nunez made the remarks a day after Italy announced a one-month suspension of its Schengen agreement with Spain, which allows visa-free movement across their borders. "We are not asking for Spain's suspension from Schengen," he added.&nbsp;France has also increased controls along its southern border with Spain, Nunez said.

Spain's Ceuta migrant crisis eased as most of the up to 60,000 migrants who crossed from Morocco returned, while at least 67 people died and EU countries called for urgent talks.

Most of the up to 60,000 migrants who entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco have now returned, while at least 67 people died during the latest surge in crossings, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska said on Saturday. The migrants crossed into Ceuta in large numbers, with many reportedly swimming around a small frontier post extending into the Mediterranean Sea. By Saturday, authorities said the situation had largely returned to normal as most of those who entered the enclave went back to Morocco. "Almost all of them have already left Ceuta," the minister said when asked about the tens of thousands of migrants who had crossed into the enclave. "The situation has been almost entirely reversed." Sanchez blames traffickers Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed people traffickers for the sudden influx. He said trafficking groups had spread rumours about a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that irregular migrants arriving by sea could not be immediately returned. "What has emerged from our talks with Moroccan authorities is that trafficking mafias took a self-serving interpretation of a Supreme Court ruling," he said. That interpretation "spread like wildfire in recent hours." Spain's Supreme Court issued the ruling on July 8. It stated that the immediate return of migrants without an administrative expulsion procedure does not apply to those who arrive by sea. Also Read: 60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US Why migrants returned Many migrants later chose to return voluntarily after finding that Ceuta lacked sufficient food and shelter for the sudden influx. One young man from Tangier said he had gone without food for more than 24 hours, while some others claimed that the Spanish army had forcibly removed them. Many migrants had crossed hoping to find better employment, but they encountered chaos and realised that the overwhelmed city could not offer immediate job opportunities. EU seeks urgent talks; France rejects Schengen exit The sudden influx of tens of thousands of people into Ceuta also raised concerns across the European Union. Leaders from 22 of the bloc's 27 member states called for urgent talks among EU interior ministers to coordinate a response and prevent further uncontrolled crossings. In an open letter, the leaders called for a swift and coordinated response to the situation. "We have a duty to deter and relentlessly combat illegal migration effectively," it said. France, meanwhile, ruled out seeking Spain's suspension from the Schengen zone, a set of laws that allows free movement across the 29-nation bloc, following the mass crossings into Ceuta. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said there was no such proposal under consideration and stressed the cooperation between the two countries. "Spain does not need to leave the Schengen zone. It's absolutely not on the table. We have great cooperation with Spain," he told reporters. Nunez made the remarks a day after Italy announced a one-month suspension of its Schengen agreement with Spain, which allows visa-free movement across their borders. "We are not asking for Spain's suspension from Schengen," he added. France has also increased controls along its southern border with Spain, Nunez said.

Spain's Ceuta migrant crisis eased as most of the up to 60,000 migrants who crossed from Morocco returned, while at least 67 people died and EU countries called for urgent talks.

Ceuta migrant crisis: 67 dead as Spain says most migrants return to Morocco

Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on the northern coast of Africa, has become a flashpoint of one of the largest migration crises in Europe. The issue began when an estimated 60,000 people from Morocco crossed the border illegally, entering Spain’s autonomous city. According to the latest data, at least 67 people have been killed as thousands attempted to cross the border through land and sea.The sudden influx began on July 30, triggering concerns from European nations that fall under the Schengen Area. Tensions rose when Italy announced that it was suspending Schengen rules allowing free-border travel with Spain over the issue.On Saturday (Aug 1), Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said that practically all migrants who crossed the border into Ceuta have been returned to Morocco and the situation has become normal in the city.“Almost all of them have already left Ceuta,” the minister said. “The situation has been almost entirely reversed.”Why are migrants crossing into Spain?While the reason for the sudden influx of migrants from the border in Ceuta is not clear, Spain’s Territorial Policy Minister Angel ​Victor Torres on Friday (Jul 31) said that the recent surge could be linked to several factors, including a Spanish Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that barred authorities from immediately returning migrants intercepted at sea while trying to reach Ceuta and Melilla under special procedures.Where is Ceuta?Ceuta is a small Spanish autonomous city on the northern coast of Africa, located at the entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar and surrounded by Morocco. Although it is geographically part of Africa, the territory belongs to Spain and is considered an external border of the European Union. Covering just 18.5 square kilometres, Ceuta has a population of around 85,000 and shares a 6.4-kilometre land border with Morocco, while mainland Spain lies about 17 kilometres away across the strait. Together with Melilla, located around 400 kilometres to the east, Ceuta represents the EU’s only land borders with Africa. Under Spanish control since 1580, the city has a diverse population of Christians and Muslims and remains strategically important because of its location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.The city remains a major point of contention between Spain and Morocco. Rabat does not recognise Spanish sovereignty over the enclave and refers to Ceuta and Melilla as “occupied territories”. The city has repeatedly become a flashpoint over migration and diplomacy. In May 2021, around 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco after border controls were relaxed, triggering a diplomatic crisis between Madrid and Rabat linked to tensions over Western Sahara.Why Ceuta is so importantCeuta’s importance comes from its unique position: it is one of the only places where the European Union shares a land border with Africa. Along with Melilla, another Spanish enclave, Ceuta has become a major route for migrants attempting to enter Europe from Morocco.Over the years, thousands have tried to cross into the territory by scaling border fences, forcing their way through checkpoints or attempting the dangerous sea route around the Tarajal breakwater. Many risk their lives in the process, facing strong currents, rough waters and strict border security.However, reaching Ceuta does not mean migrants can freely travel across Spain. Those who enter irregularly are subject to immigration procedures before any onward movement to mainland Europe.

Ceuta, a tiny Spanish enclave in Africa, has become Europe’s latest migration flashpoint after thousands crossed from Morocco, sparking deaths, border tensions and a political crisis.

Ceuta, a small Spanish territory on the northern coast of Africa, has become a flashpoint of one of the largest migration crises in Europe. The issue began when an estimated 60,000 people from Morocco crossed the border illegally, entering Spain’s autonomous city. According to the latest data, at least 67 people have been killed as thousands attempted to cross the border through land and sea. The sudden influx began on July 30, triggering concerns from European nations that fall under the Schengen Area. Tensions rose when Italy announced that it was suspending Schengen rules allowing free-border travel with Spain over the issue. On Saturday (Aug 1), Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said that practically all migrants who crossed the border into Ceuta have been returned to Morocco and the situation has become normal in the city. “Almost all of them have already left Ceuta,” the minister said. “The situation has been almost entirely reversed.” Why are migrants crossing into Spain? While the reason for the sudden influx of migrants from the border in Ceuta is not clear, Spain’s Territorial Policy Minister Angel Victor Torres on Friday (Jul 31) said that the recent surge could be linked to several factors, including a Spanish Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that barred authorities from immediately returning migrants intercepted at sea while trying to reach Ceuta and Melilla under special procedures. Where is Ceuta? Ceuta is a small Spanish autonomous city on the northern coast of Africa, located at the entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar and surrounded by Morocco. Although it is geographically part of Africa, the territory belongs to Spain and is considered an external border of the European Union. Covering just 18.5 square kilometres, Ceuta has a population of around 85,000 and shares a 6.4-kilometre land border with Morocco, while mainland Spain lies about 17 kilometres away across the strait. Together with Melilla, located around 400 kilometres to the east, Ceuta represents the EU’s only land borders with Africa. Under Spanish control since 1580, the city has a diverse population of Christians and Muslims and remains strategically important because of its location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The city remains a major point of contention between Spain and Morocco. Rabat does not recognise Spanish sovereignty over the enclave and refers to Ceuta and Melilla as “occupied territories”. The city has repeatedly become a flashpoint over migration and diplomacy. In May 2021, around 8,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco after border controls were relaxed, triggering a diplomatic crisis between Madrid and Rabat linked to tensions over Western Sahara. Why Ceuta is so important Ceuta’s importance comes from its unique position: it is one of the only places where the European Union shares a land border with Africa. Along with Melilla, another Spanish enclave, Ceuta has become a major route for migrants attempting to enter Europe from Morocco. Over the years, thousands have tried to cross into the territory by scaling border fences, forcing their way through checkpoints or attempting the dangerous sea route around the Tarajal breakwater. Many risk their lives in the process, facing strong currents, rough waters and strict border security. However, reaching Ceuta does not mean migrants can freely travel across Spain. Those who enter irregularly are subject to immigration procedures before any onward movement to mainland Europe.

Ceuta, a tiny Spanish enclave in Africa, has become Europe’s latest migration flashpoint after thousands crossed from Morocco, sparking deaths, border tensions and a political crisis.

Inside Ceuta’s chaos: Tiny Spanish enclave at the centre of Europe’s border crisis | WION Decodes

A sudden influx of around 60,000 migrants from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish territory on Africa's northern coast, has triggered a major crisis for Spain and raised concerns across the European Union.&nbsp;The scale of the influx is enormous compared with Ceuta's population of around 80,000. Local regional president Juan Jesus Vivas estimated that nearly 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory over the past two or three days.&nbsp;The sudden arrival has pushed Madrid to step up security in the enclave. Spain has deployed troops and additional police personnel, including divers, along with drones and boats. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his interior minister also travelled to Ceuta on Friday.&nbsp;At least 34 people have died while trying to reach the Spanish territory. Most of them drowned while attempting to swim around the border barriers. Spanish authorities have sent military reinforcements to the area, while the European Union has offered support to help restore order along the frontier.&nbsp;The migrant influx has also triggered political tensions across Europe. Italy has raised the possibility of "extraordinary measures" over concerns about the bloc's external borders, while Spanish officials have accused some European politicians of using the crisis for political gain.<h3>Sanchez blames traffickers</h3>Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed people traffickers for the sudden movement of migrants into Ceuta. He said the groups had spread rumours about a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that irregular migrants arriving by sea could not be immediately returned.&nbsp;"What has emerged from our talks with Moroccan authorities is that trafficking mafias took a self-serving interpretation of a Supreme Court ruling," he said. That interpretation "spread like wildfire in recent hours."&nbsp;The ruling in question was issued by Spain's Supreme Court on July 8. It determined that the immediate return of a migrant without opening an administrative expulsion procedure does not apply to people arriving by sea.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/utmost-brutality-ex-aap-leader-tahir-hussain-4-others-get-life-term-for-ankit-sharma-s-murder-1785504258932">‘Utmost brutality’: Ex-AAP leader Tahir Hussain, 4 others get life term for Ankit Sharma’s murder</a>&nbsp;The large crowds entering a member state of the European Union, which normally does not enforce border controls between member states, have also triggered a diplomatic backlash.&nbsp;EU chief Ursula von der Leyen described the scenes in Ceuta as "unacceptable" in a social media post. She added: "We cannot allow anyone to come to our (European) Union without abiding by our rules."<h3>EU nations react</h3>Italy called on Thursday for Spain to be suspended from Europe's open borders Schengen zone. Spain responded by summoning Italy's ambassador and accusing Rome of exploiting the crisis for political gain.&nbsp;Finland and Denmark backed Italy's call on Friday. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also demanded that Morocco "take back illegal migrants immediately".&nbsp;Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen took a tougher stance and said the European Union should consider suspending Spain from the Schengen free movement area. The system allows free movement between 29 European countries.&nbsp;"It goes without saying that the EU must immediately take all necessary measures and consider all options, including a suspension of Schengen cooperation. Uncontrolled immigration poses a threat to Europe and to Denmark," Mette Frederiksen was quoted as saying by AFP.<h3>Trump weighs in</h3>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump described the migrant crisis in Ceuta as "terrible" and said the United States could face a similar situation if the opposition Democratic Party wins elections.&nbsp;"It's terrible. Remember that picture. That's going to be us in three years if the wrong side gets in," he was quoted as saying by Fox News. “If the Democrats get in, you will not live a very good life.”

A sudden influx of 60,000 migrants into Spain's Ceuta has triggered a major border crisis, leaving at least 34 people dead and fuelling tensions across the European Union.

A sudden influx of around 60,000 migrants from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish territory on Africa's northern coast, has triggered a major crisis for Spain and raised concerns across the European Union. The scale of the influx is enormous compared with Ceuta's population of around 80,000. Local regional president Juan Jesus Vivas estimated that nearly 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory over the past two or three days. The sudden arrival has pushed Madrid to step up security in the enclave. Spain has deployed troops and additional police personnel, including divers, along with drones and boats. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his interior minister also travelled to Ceuta on Friday. At least 34 people have died while trying to reach the Spanish territory. Most of them drowned while attempting to swim around the border barriers. Spanish authorities have sent military reinforcements to the area, while the European Union has offered support to help restore order along the frontier. The migrant influx has also triggered political tensions across Europe. Italy has raised the possibility of "extraordinary measures" over concerns about the bloc's external borders, while Spanish officials have accused some European politicians of using the crisis for political gain. Sanchez blames traffickers Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez blamed people traffickers for the sudden movement of migrants into Ceuta. He said the groups had spread rumours about a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that irregular migrants arriving by sea could not be immediately returned. "What has emerged from our talks with Moroccan authorities is that trafficking mafias took a self-serving interpretation of a Supreme Court ruling," he said. That interpretation "spread like wildfire in recent hours." The ruling in question was issued by Spain's Supreme Court on July 8. It determined that the immediate return of a migrant without opening an administrative expulsion procedure does not apply to people arriving by sea. Also Read: ‘Utmost brutality’: Ex-AAP leader Tahir Hussain, 4 others get life term for Ankit Sharma’s murder The large crowds entering a member state of the European Union, which normally does not enforce border controls between member states, have also triggered a diplomatic backlash. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen described the scenes in Ceuta as "unacceptable" in a social media post. She added: "We cannot allow anyone to come to our (European) Union without abiding by our rules." EU nations react Italy called on Thursday for Spain to be suspended from Europe's open borders Schengen zone. Spain responded by summoning Italy's ambassador and accusing Rome of exploiting the crisis for political gain. Finland and Denmark backed Italy's call on Friday. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also demanded that Morocco "take back illegal migrants immediately". Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen took a tougher stance and said the European Union should consider suspending Spain from the Schengen free movement area. The system allows free movement between 29 European countries. "It goes without saying that the EU must immediately take all necessary measures and consider all options, including a suspension of Schengen cooperation. Uncontrolled immigration poses a threat to Europe and to Denmark," Mette Frederiksen was quoted as saying by AFP. Trump weighs in Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump described the migrant crisis in Ceuta as "terrible" and said the United States could face a similar situation if the opposition Democratic Party wins elections. "It's terrible. Remember that picture. That's going to be us in three years if the wrong side gets in," he was quoted as saying by Fox News. “If the Democrats get in, you will not live a very good life.”

A sudden influx of 60,000 migrants into Spain's Ceuta has triggered a major border crisis, leaving at least 34 people dead and fuelling tensions across the European Union.

60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US

Spain accused Morocco of "blackmail" on Thursday for allowing a record 8,000 migrants to reach the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, sparking a crisis that saw clashes on the Moroccan side of the border overnight.

The dispute between Spain and Morocco comes during heightened tensions over Madrid's decision to provide medical treatment for the ailing leader of the Western Sahara independence movement, who has COVID-19.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said&nbsp;"Let's remember the border with Ceuta is not only the border between Morocco and Spain, but it is also a European border and consequently the lack of control, in this case, by the Moroccan authorities isn't only a lack of respect towards Spain but also towards the European Union as a whole."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-are-moroccans-trying-to-enter-europe-386370">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-are-moroccans-trying-to-enter-europe-386370/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are proceeding with the immediate return of those who have entered illegally. About 4800 people have already been returned to Morocco after entering Ceuta illegally two days ago."

The rush of migrants began on Monday when Morocco appeared to loosen border controls, a move widely interpreted as retaliation for Spain's hosting of a Western Sahara independence leader.

As dense afternoon fog descended on Wednesday, hundreds of young men tried to approach the six-metre-high (20-foot-high) border fence before being repelled by Moroccan police, who later urged the crowd to disperse.

Others had entered the water and begun swimming towards&nbsp;Ceuta's beach a few hundred metres (yards) away. Spanish television showed the army meeting boys as they reached the shore. Some 1,500 underage migrants are now in reception centres in&nbsp;Ceuta&nbsp;from this and previous waves, Spain said.

On the northern tip of Morocco across from Gibraltar and with a population of 80,000, the enclave has periodically been a magnet for refugees seeking a quick way into Europe. But Rabat has cracked down on border traffic in recent years.

The variable security presence at the border reflects the paradox that Morocco faces in dealing with Ceuta and a second enclave, Melilla,&nbsp;zones its frontier guards protected from mass migration for years while simultaneously demanding that&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;give them up.

Morocco increased efforts to stop migrants reaching&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;in 2018 and, in return for cash assistance, cutting the number of illegal crossings.

Rabat views the enclaves, held by&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;since the 16th century, as colonial relics, though they are a lower priority than seeking global acceptance for its rule in Western Sahara, challenged by the Algeria-backed Polisario.

Ceuta, along with Spain's other North African enclave Melilla, have the European Union's only land border with Africa and have long been a magnet for migrants seeking a better life in Europe.

Spain has received the support of top European officials, with European Commission vice president Margaritis Schinas warning that Europe "won't let itself be intimidated by anyone on the issue of migration" in a veiled allusion to Morocco.

Rabat&nbsp;responded in the form of a flurry of angry dispatches&nbsp;saying that "Morocco is a sovereign country" and "is not the police of Europe".

Spain's High Court rejected a request to arrest Western Sahara's independence leader, whose admittance to a Spanish hospital last month angered Morocco, and comes after migrants crossed into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta.

Brahim&nbsp;Ghali&nbsp;is accused by rights groups of war crimes and must still go through a preliminary hearing, a court spokesman said, part of a wider diplomatic dispute over the Polisario Front, a separatist movement fighting for Western Sahara's independence from Morocco.

Western Sahara is a disputed territory held by Morocco since the mid-1970s. The Algeria-backed Polisario Front has been fighting to secure its independence since then. Before then, the territory was under Spanish control.

Spain agreed to allow&nbsp;Ghali's hospitalisation in Logrono, northern Spain, as a "humanitarian gesture".

Before this week's border crisis, Moroccan authorities had warned Spain of repercussions over&nbsp;Ghali's presence in Spain under a false Algerian passport and an assumed name.

Spain accused Morocco of "blackmail" on Thursday for allowing a record 8,000 migrants to reach the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, sparking a crisis that saw clashes on the Moroccan side of the border overnight.

Spain accused Morocco of "blackmail" on Thursday for allowing a record 8,000 migrants to reach the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, sparking a crisis that saw clashes on the Moroccan side of the border overnight. The dispute between Spain and Morocco comes during heightened tensions over Madrid's decision to provide medical treatment for the ailing leader of the Western Sahara independence movement, who has COVID-19. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said "Let's remember the border with Ceuta is not only the border between Morocco and Spain, but it is also a European border and consequently the lack of control, in this case, by the Moroccan authorities isn't only a lack of respect towards Spain but also towards the European Union as a whole." Watch | "We are proceeding with the immediate return of those who have entered illegally. About 4800 people have already been returned to Morocco after entering Ceuta illegally two days ago." The rush of migrants began on Monday when Morocco appeared to loosen border controls, a move widely interpreted as retaliation for Spain's hosting of a Western Sahara independence leader. As dense afternoon fog descended on Wednesday, hundreds of young men tried to approach the six-metre-high (20-foot-high) border fence before being repelled by Moroccan police, who later urged the crowd to disperse. Others had entered the water and begun swimming towards Ceuta's beach a few hundred metres (yards) away. Spanish television showed the army meeting boys as they reached the shore. Some 1,500 underage migrants are now in reception centres in Ceuta from this and previous waves, Spain said. On the northern tip of Morocco across from Gibraltar and with a population of 80,000, the enclave has periodically been a magnet for refugees seeking a quick way into Europe. But Rabat has cracked down on border traffic in recent years. The variable security presence at the border reflects the paradox that Morocco faces in dealing with Ceuta and a second enclave, Melilla, zones its frontier guards protected from mass migration for years while simultaneously demanding that Spain give them up. Morocco increased efforts to stop migrants reaching Spain in 2018 and, in return for cash assistance, cutting the number of illegal crossings. Rabat views the enclaves, held by Spain since the 16th century, as colonial relics, though they are a lower priority than seeking global acceptance for its rule in Western Sahara, challenged by the Algeria-backed Polisario. Ceuta, along with Spain's other North African enclave Melilla, have the European Union's only land border with Africa and have long been a magnet for migrants seeking a better life in Europe. Spain has received the support of top European officials, with European Commission vice president Margaritis Schinas warning that Europe "won't let itself be intimidated by anyone on the issue of migration" in a veiled allusion to Morocco. Rabat responded in the form of a flurry of angry dispatches saying that "Morocco is a sovereign country" and "is not the police of Europe". Spain's High Court rejected a request to arrest Western Sahara's independence leader, whose admittance to a Spanish hospital last month angered Morocco, and comes after migrants crossed into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. Brahim Ghali is accused by rights groups of war crimes and must still go through a preliminary hearing, a court spokesman said, part of a wider diplomatic dispute over the Polisario Front, a separatist movement fighting for Western Sahara's independence from Morocco. Western Sahara is a disputed territory held by Morocco since the mid-1970s. The Algeria-backed Polisario Front has been fighting to secure its independence since then. Before then, the territory was under Spanish control. Spain agreed to allow Ghali's hospitalisation in Logrono, northern Spain, as a "humanitarian gesture". Before this week's border crisis, Moroccan authorities had warned Spain of repercussions over Ghali's presence in Spain under a false Algerian passport and an assumed name.

'Lack of respect': Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez slams Morocco over migrant crisis

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