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

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Europe is on edge after tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco illegally entered Spain through land and sea overnight, with at least 34 killed in the process. The chaos at the border near a Spanish enclave has prompted Spanish and Moroccan authorities to strengthen security in the region. According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, 49,000 people have crossed the border in the last 24 hours, drawing concerns from neighbouring nations.To control one of the largest migrant crises on the country’s border, Madrid has sent troops and more police personnel, including divers, drones and boats, to fortify security in Ceuta, an autonomous city on the northern coast of Africa that shares its land border with Morocco. Viral videos on social media showed thousands of migrants at the border, entering Ceuta by land and swimming via the sea. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are expected to visit the city on Friday (Jul 31).<h2>‘Spain failed to protect the Schengen Area’</h2>Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has called for Spain’s suspension from the Schengen Area zone, which allows passport-free travel across 29 European countries. She said that the images from Ceuta showing migrants, including children, crossing into the Spanish territory were “shocking”. She warned Italy would not remain silent and said Rome was prepared to consider “exceptional measures”.“We are in the process of bringing together the competent bodies and, once these meetings are over, we are ready to act, including through exceptional measures... such as suspending the Schengen agreement with Spain,” Meloni said on X. “Italy will not stand idly by.”Finland has also backed cutting off Spain from the Schengen zone over the situation in Ceuta.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/italy-will-not-meloni-threatens-spain-s-schengen-access-after-thousands-enter-ceuta-from-morocco-1785470217721"> ‘Italy will not...’: Meloni threatens Spain’s Schengen access after thousands enter Ceuta from Morocco</a>“Spain has completely failed to protect the Schengen Area’s external border from infiltration. This cannot continue,” Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said on X. “Countries that do not fulfil their obligation to protect the external border cannot be members of Schengen.”In response to the migrant crisis in Ceuta, France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has said that it will strengthen checks at its border with Spain. “In response to the situation observed in the Ceuta enclave, I gave instructions as of last night to immediately strengthen the controls at the Spanish border. Furthermore, I am activating the Rapid Intervention Border Force for in-depth checks,” he said in a post on X.Several other European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have expressed concerns over the issue.<h2>Why are migrants crossing into Spain?</h2>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.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-hackers-behind-cyberattack-on-minnesota-water-systems-what-we-know-1785484942363"> Iranian hackers behind cyberattack on Minnesota water systems? What we know</a><h2>Ceuta: Spanish autonomous city at the centre of migrant crisis</h2>Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the northern coast of Africa, at the entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar. Along with Melilla, situated around 400 kilometres to the east, it forms the European Union’s only land borders with Africa. The city, home to around 85,000 people, has been under Spanish control since 1580 and has a diverse population of Christians and Muslims, as well as Spanish and Moroccan residents.However, Ceuta 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. &nbsp;

A migrant surge in Spain’s Ceuta enclave has triggered a border crisis, with thousands crossing from Morocco. The influx has raised security concerns, diplomatic tensions and renewed debate over Europe’s migration policies.

Europe is on edge after tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco illegally entered Spain through land and sea overnight, with at least 34 killed in the process. The chaos at the border near a Spanish enclave has prompted Spanish and Moroccan authorities to strengthen security in the region. According to Spain’s Interior Ministry, 49,000 people have crossed the border in the last 24 hours, drawing concerns from neighbouring nations. To control one of the largest migrant crises on the country’s border, Madrid has sent troops and more police personnel, including divers, drones and boats, to fortify security in Ceuta, an autonomous city on the northern coast of Africa that shares its land border with Morocco. Viral videos on social media showed thousands of migrants at the border, entering Ceuta by land and swimming via the sea. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska are expected to visit the city on Friday (Jul 31). ‘Spain failed to protect the Schengen Area’ Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has called for Spain’s suspension from the Schengen Area zone, which allows passport-free travel across 29 European countries. She said that the images from Ceuta showing migrants, including children, crossing into the Spanish territory were “shocking”. She warned Italy would not remain silent and said Rome was prepared to consider “exceptional measures”. “We are in the process of bringing together the competent bodies and, once these meetings are over, we are ready to act, including through exceptional measures... such as suspending the Schengen agreement with Spain,” Meloni said on X. “Italy will not stand idly by.” Finland has also backed cutting off Spain from the Schengen zone over the situation in Ceuta. Also read | ‘Italy will not...’: Meloni threatens Spain’s Schengen access after thousands enter Ceuta from Morocco “Spain has completely failed to protect the Schengen Area’s external border from infiltration. This cannot continue,” Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said on X. “Countries that do not fulfil their obligation to protect the external border cannot be members of Schengen.” In response to the migrant crisis in Ceuta, France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has said that it will strengthen checks at its border with Spain. “In response to the situation observed in the Ceuta enclave, I gave instructions as of last night to immediately strengthen the controls at the Spanish border. Furthermore, I am activating the Rapid Intervention Border Force for in-depth checks,” he said in a post on X. Several other European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have expressed concerns over the issue. 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. Also read | Iranian hackers behind cyberattack on Minnesota water systems? What we know Ceuta: Spanish autonomous city at the centre of migrant crisis Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the northern coast of Africa, at the entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar. Along with Melilla, situated around 400 kilometres to the east, it forms the European Union’s only land borders with Africa. The city, home to around 85,000 people, has been under Spanish control since 1580 and has a diverse population of Christians and Muslims, as well as Spanish and Moroccan residents. However, Ceuta 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.

A migrant surge in Spain’s Ceuta enclave has triggered a border crisis, with thousands crossing from Morocco. The influx has raised security concerns, diplomatic tensions and renewed debate over Europe’s migration policies.

49,000 illegal migrants enter Spain from Morocco; 34 dead – What is happening in Ceuta?

Italy PM Giorgia Meloni threatened action against Spain’s Schengen access after thousands of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco, calling the situation “shocking” and warning Italy would not stand by.

Italy PM Giorgia Meloni threatened action against Spain’s Schengen access after thousands of migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco, calling the situation “shocking” and warning Italy would not stand by.

‘Italy will not...’: Meloni threatens Spain’s Schengen access after thousands enter Ceuta from Morocco

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

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49,000 illegal migrants cross Morocco border to enter Spain’s Ceuta; 34 dead

Meloni threatens Spain with Schengen ban over Morocco border crisis