Tensions erupted in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta as local residents clashed with police and confronted migrant encampments at El Trampolín beach. The unrest comes amid growing concerns over migrant arrivals and rising tensions in the enclave.

 Spain border crisis: Protesters charge into a crowded beach

Meta and TikTok have agreed to strengthen fact-checking of content related to migrant crossings into Spain following a massive rush to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco late last month, European Union tech chief Henna Virkkunen said. The move comes after a surge in migration-related content online, including viral videos that encouraged would-be migrants to attempt the dangerous crossing.&nbsp;Virkkunen said the purpose of the new measures is to prevent criminal networks from using false information to lure potential migrants into attempting to cross the border, a phenomenon that has previously resulted in deaths. Meta and TikTok agreed with the European Union to establish an "ad-hoc escalation and cooperation mechanism with fact-checkers" under crisis protocols, according to Virkkunen's post on X.&nbsp;The European Commission and Europol, the European Union's pan-European police force, are now discussing the situation with the two social media companies on a daily basis, the post said. Virkkunen also held discussions with Spanish Digital Economy Minister Oscar Lopez on measures to prevent dangerous border crossings and reduce the loss of life.<h2>More than 70,000 migrants rushed towards Ceuta</h2>More than 70,000 would-be migrants reportedly flooded towards Ceuta in a mass rush on July 30. The incident resulted in nearly 100 deaths, highlighting the dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach the Spanish territory from Morocco. Officials have been increasingly concerned about the role of social media in encouraging such attempts, particularly when misleading information or videos create the impression that entering Ceuta is easier or safer than it actually is.&nbsp;A handful of viral videos reportedly encouraged would-be migrants to make the attempt. One of the videos was posted by a Spanish news outlet as part of coverage intended to highlight the pressure caused by migration. The spread of such material has raised concerns that content created for news or informational purposes can potentially be misinterpreted or exploited by criminal networks seeking to organise or encourage migration attempts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-helicopter-opens-fire-on-panama-flagged-ship-breaking-blockade-of-iran-1786456732550">US helicopter opens fire on Panama-flagged ship ‘breaking blockade of Iran’</a><h2>EU steps up pressure on social media platforms</h2>The agreement with Meta and TikTok represents a broader effort by European authorities to respond quickly when online content contributes to a migration crisis. Under the new crisis mechanism, fact-checkers will be able to escalate potentially harmful or misleading content and coordinate with the platforms more rapidly.&nbsp;The European Commission and Europol are expected to continue monitoring developments and communicating with Meta and TikTok as the situation evolves. The focus is particularly on content that could provide false information about border conditions, crossing routes or the likelihood of successfully entering Spanish territory. The EU has previously placed increasing pressure on major technology platforms to address illegal content, disinformation and risks associated with their services.<h2>Social media's role under scrutiny</h2>The Ceuta incident has renewed debate over whether social media platforms can inadvertently facilitate dangerous migration attempts.Videos can quickly reach large audiences and may be shared without context, allowing false claims about border security or crossing conditions to spread.EU officials are particularly concerned about criminal networks exploiting these platforms to distribute misleading information and encourage people to undertake dangerous journeys.The new fact-checking arrangement with Meta and TikTok is intended to enable authorities and platforms to react more quickly during similar crises.For European officials, the immediate priority is to prevent misinformation from contributing to further mass crossings and avoidable deaths.

Meta and TikTok agree to fact-check Spain border content after a deadly Ceuta migrant rush. Know the EU's new measures and social media concerns

Meta and TikTok have agreed to strengthen fact-checking of content related to migrant crossings into Spain following a massive rush to enter the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco late last month, European Union tech chief Henna Virkkunen said. The move comes after a surge in migration-related content online, including viral videos that encouraged would-be migrants to attempt the dangerous crossing. Virkkunen said the purpose of the new measures is to prevent criminal networks from using false information to lure potential migrants into attempting to cross the border, a phenomenon that has previously resulted in deaths. Meta and TikTok agreed with the European Union to establish an "ad-hoc escalation and cooperation mechanism with fact-checkers" under crisis protocols, according to Virkkunen's post on X. The European Commission and Europol, the European Union's pan-European police force, are now discussing the situation with the two social media companies on a daily basis, the post said. Virkkunen also held discussions with Spanish Digital Economy Minister Oscar Lopez on measures to prevent dangerous border crossings and reduce the loss of life. More than 70,000 migrants rushed towards Ceuta More than 70,000 would-be migrants reportedly flooded towards Ceuta in a mass rush on July 30. The incident resulted in nearly 100 deaths, highlighting the dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach the Spanish territory from Morocco. Officials have been increasingly concerned about the role of social media in encouraging such attempts, particularly when misleading information or videos create the impression that entering Ceuta is easier or safer than it actually is. A handful of viral videos reportedly encouraged would-be migrants to make the attempt. One of the videos was posted by a Spanish news outlet as part of coverage intended to highlight the pressure caused by migration. The spread of such material has raised concerns that content created for news or informational purposes can potentially be misinterpreted or exploited by criminal networks seeking to organise or encourage migration attempts. Also Read: US helicopter opens fire on Panama-flagged ship ‘breaking blockade of Iran’ EU steps up pressure on social media platforms The agreement with Meta and TikTok represents a broader effort by European authorities to respond quickly when online content contributes to a migration crisis. Under the new crisis mechanism, fact-checkers will be able to escalate potentially harmful or misleading content and coordinate with the platforms more rapidly. The European Commission and Europol are expected to continue monitoring developments and communicating with Meta and TikTok as the situation evolves. The focus is particularly on content that could provide false information about border conditions, crossing routes or the likelihood of successfully entering Spanish territory. The EU has previously placed increasing pressure on major technology platforms to address illegal content, disinformation and risks associated with their services. Social media's role under scrutiny The Ceuta incident has renewed debate over whether social media platforms can inadvertently facilitate dangerous migration attempts. Videos can quickly reach large audiences and may be shared without context, allowing false claims about border security or crossing conditions to spread. EU officials are particularly concerned about criminal networks exploiting these platforms to distribute misleading information and encourage people to undertake dangerous journeys. The new fact-checking arrangement with Meta and TikTok is intended to enable authorities and platforms to react more quickly during similar crises. For European officials, the immediate priority is to prevent misinformation from contributing to further mass crossings and avoidable deaths.

Meta and TikTok will fact-check Spain border content after a deadly Ceuta migrant rush, as the EU targets misinformation and criminal networks

Ceuta migrant crisis: Meta, TikTok agree to fact-check border content after nearly 100 deaths

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, describing Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only realistic path toward resolving the decades-long dispute.

The development comes as Spain continues to grapple with a massive migrant influx into its North African enclave of Ceuta, prompting emergency discussions across the European Union. The Western Sahara dispute remains one of North Africa’s most sensitive geopolitical issues, involving Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and international stakeholders.

Trump Reaffirms US Support for Morocco’s Western Sahara Claim | Spain Faces Migrant 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 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

US President Donald Trump held a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday where he compared Thursday’s surge of around 50,000 migrants into the Spanish city of Ceuta to an “invasion,” and warned that the same will happen to the United States “except worse” if Republicans do not win the midterm elections in November.&nbsp;Trump suggested the moment should be taken as a warning to US voters as midterm elections near.&nbsp;“You know I saw Spain yesterday and I watched the catastrophe that took place. It looks like an invasion of a country by hundreds of thousands of people,” Trump said. “And that same thing is going to happen to us if the Republicans don’t get elected. Except worse, much bigger.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/avoid-attacks-on-commercial-shipping-seafarers-jaishankar-tells-iran-s-fm-araghchi-1785510556026">‘Avoid attacks on commercial shipping, seafarers,’ Jaishankar tells Iran’s FM Araghchi</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump says: &quot;I saw Spain yesterday and the catastrophe that took place. It was an INVASION. And that same thing is going to happen to us if Republicans don&#39;t get elected, except worse. If we&#39;re not in office, our country will be invaded at levels that make Spain look small time.&quot;… <a href="https://t.co/8smlH1BTTh">pic.twitter.com/8smlH1BTTh</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2083221638016028932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump also criticized Spain’s left-wing government led by Pedro Sánchez, claiming the country’s “weak law, bad management” is to blame.&nbsp;Trump said the migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta is going to be “a talking point for the midterms” for the Republican Party. The president said that without Republicans in power, “our country will be invaded at levels that made Spain look small time” and what happened “will look good compared to what’s going to happen to the United States.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-demands-international-scrutiny-of-pakistan-s-actions-in-pojk-as-civilian-deaths-mount-1785506194579">India demands international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions in PoJK as civilian deaths mount</a>&nbsp;Trump has been repeatedly criticising European policies on immigration as being too lax. At Friday’s cabinet meeting, he described the deadly migrant crossings as a “catastrophe” and said that migrants are “invading” Spain as a result of “very liberal law.”&nbsp;Spain is grappling to respond after some 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s tiny Ceuta territory in the past 24 hours.According to the Spanish government, roughly half of them have already made their way back voluntarily.&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;Trump also said that the US will be hitting Iran “very hard” if they dobn’t change their tune.&nbsp;“We’ll be hitting them,” Trump said. “We’ll be hitting them very hard. And you know at some point, they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore’.”&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said the migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta is going to be a talking point for the midterms for the Republican Party. He said without Republicans in power, the US will be invaded at levels that will make Spain look small time.

US President Donald Trump held a Cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday where he compared Thursday’s surge of around 50,000 migrants into the Spanish city of Ceuta to an “invasion,” and warned that the same will happen to the United States “except worse” if Republicans do not win the midterm elections in November. Trump suggested the moment should be taken as a warning to US voters as midterm elections near. “You know I saw Spain yesterday and I watched the catastrophe that took place. It looks like an invasion of a country by hundreds of thousands of people,” Trump said. “And that same thing is going to happen to us if the Republicans don’t get elected. Except worse, much bigger.” Also Read: ‘Avoid attacks on commercial shipping, seafarers,’ Jaishankar tells Iran’s FM Araghchi

President Donald Trump said the migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta is going to be a talking point for the midterms for the Republican Party. He said without Republicans in power, the US will be invaded at levels that will make Spain look small time.

Trump warns US could see migrant ‘invasion’ of Spain if Democrats win midterms

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

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?