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

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

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

Spain has deployed military personnel to Ceuta, its North African enclave, after an unprecedented surge of migrants crossed from Morocco, triggering one of Europe's biggest border crises in recent years.

According to reports, tens of thousands of migrants attempted to enter Ceuta by land and sea, while dozens reportedly lost their lives during the dangerous journey. Reception centers have become overwhelmed as authorities struggle to accommodate the growing number of arrivals.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has vowed to deploy all necessary resources while coordinating with Moroccan authorities to restore order. Meanwhile, Italy has called for Spain's suspension from the Schengen free-travel zone, arguing that Madrid's migration policies threaten European security—a claim Spain has rejected.

Political Tensions Grow Over Europe's Migration Policies | Wion 

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?

Spain deployed military units to its North African territory of Ceuta on Thursday after thousands of migrants crossed from neighbouring Morocco in a major border breach that left at least nine people dead, according to Spanish authorities. Large crowds of migrants entered the Spanish enclave by swimming across the sea, walking along coastal routes and forcing their way through border barriers, overwhelming local security forces. Authorities said several bodies were recovered from the waters during the chaotic crossing.&nbsp;The Spanish government announced that the Armed Forces would assist the Civil Guard in restoring order after local officials sought urgent reinforcements as the situation escalated.Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit Ceuta on Friday alongside Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to assess the situation and meet security officials and local authorities.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-approval-no-prior-knowledge-iraq-rejects-coordination-claim-after-us-saudi-bombing-1785450374763">'No approval, no prior knowledge': Iraq rejects coordination claim after US-Saudi bombing</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Spain&#39;s North African enclave of Ceuta is facing a humanitarian and security emergency after about 1,500 migrants swam across from Morocco in the past week. Ceuta&#39;s leader, Juan Jesus Vivas, said reception centers are overwhelmed, with hundreds sleeping outdoors and facilities… <a href="https://t.co/g0gySeOkAt">pic.twitter.com/g0gySeOkAt</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2082807362973258063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rachid Sbihi, head of a Civil Guard officers’ association in Ceuta, described the incident as “absolute chaos”, claiming that thousands of migrants had crossed into the territory and that the border had “totally collapsed”.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-needs-to-be-a-declaration-of-war-trump-wins-senate-vote-but-cassidy-draws-red-line-on-iran-1785438584931">'There needs to be a declaration of war': Trump wins Senate vote, but Cassidy draws red line on Iran</a>&nbsp;Video footage circulating online showed large groups of migrants, mostly young men, moving through Ceuta after crossing from Morocco. Families, including women and children, were also seen among those arriving. The mass crossing is one of the largest attempts to enter the Spanish territory in recent years and has raised fresh concerns over border security and migration management between Spain and Morocco.&nbsp;Spanish authorities have not yet released further details about the identities of those who died or the circumstances surrounding the fatalities. Investigations into the incident are expected to continue.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-french-pilot-who-praised-chinese-fighters-lands-in-china-spy-scandal-this-is-what-we-know-1785442720609">Ex-French pilot who praised Chinese fighters lands in China spy scandal. This is what we know</a>

Spain deployed troops to Ceuta after thousands of migrants breached the Moroccan border by sea and land, leaving at least nine dead amid overwhelming chaos, prompting high-level government visits.

Spain deployed military units to its North African territory of Ceuta on Thursday after thousands of migrants crossed from neighbouring Morocco in a major border breach that left at least nine people dead, according to Spanish authorities. Large crowds of migrants entered the Spanish enclave by swimming across the sea, walking along coastal routes and forcing their way through border barriers, overwhelming local security forces. Authorities said several bodies were recovered from the waters during the chaotic crossing. The Spanish government announced that the Armed Forces would assist the Civil Guard in restoring order after local officials sought urgent reinforcements as the situation escalated. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to visit Ceuta on Friday alongside Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska to assess the situation and meet security officials and local authorities. Also read: 'No approval, no prior knowledge': Iraq rejects coordination claim after US-Saudi bombing

Spain deployed troops to Ceuta after thousands of migrants breached the Moroccan border by sea and land, leaving at least nine dead amid overwhelming chaos, prompting high-level government visits.

WATCH: 'Absolute chaos' at Spain-Morocco border; thousands breach Ceuta, at least 9 killed

The leader of the Western Sahara independence movement at the heart of a diplomatic spat between Spain and Morocco will appear before an investigating judge in Spain on June 1, representatives of the Polisario Front in Spain said Wednesday.

Brahim Ghali heads the Polisario Front and the self-declared Sahrawi Democratic Arab Republic based on refugee camps in western Algeria.

He has been recovering from COVID-19 in a Spanish hospital, where he checked in with a false identity after arriving in the country with a diplomatic Algerian passport.

His presence has irked Rabat, which annexed Western Sahara in the 1970s, and has been tied to the sudden arrival of more than 8,000 migrants&nbsp;many of them unaccompanied children&nbsp;to a Spanish enclave in northern Africa that shares a border with Morocco.

The Moroccan government has said that it won't reinstate its ambassador to Madrid if Ghali leaves Spain with the same secrecy used for his arrival in mid-April and without answering for genocide allegations and other possible crimes that anti-Polisario groups accuse him of.

Ghali&nbsp;had initially declined to sign a summons from Spain's High Court for a preliminary hearing in a war crimes case against him.

The leader was admitted into a hospital in Spain for treatment last month, angering Morocco, which regards Western Sahara as part of Morocco and says&nbsp;Ghali&nbsp;is using travel documents provided by Algeria and a false name.

Spain's foreign minister, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, said on Sunday that when&nbsp;Ghali&nbsp;has recovered from health problems, he should answer the case before he returns to his own country.

Last week, Morocco appeared to relax border controls with the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, leading to thousands of people crossing illegally. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said earlier on Tuesday the country was failing to protect its borders.

Rabat blamed the crossings on the weather and tired border guards though analysts said it appeared to be linked to the diplomatic dispute with Madrid.

The leader of the Western Sahara independence movement at the heart of a diplomatic spat between Spain and Morocco will appear before an investigating judge in Spain on June 1, representatives of the Polisario Front in Spain said Wednesday.

The leader of the Western Sahara independence movement at the heart of a diplomatic spat between Spain and Morocco will appear before an investigating judge in Spain on June 1, representatives of the Polisario Front in Spain said Wednesday. Brahim Ghali heads the Polisario Front and the self-declared Sahrawi Democratic Arab Republic based on refugee camps in western Algeria. He has been recovering from COVID-19 in a Spanish hospital, where he checked in with a false identity after arriving in the country with a diplomatic Algerian passport. His presence has irked Rabat, which annexed Western Sahara in the 1970s, and has been tied to the sudden arrival of more than 8,000 migrants many of them unaccompanied children to a Spanish enclave in northern Africa that shares a border with Morocco. The Moroccan government has said that it won't reinstate its ambassador to Madrid if Ghali leaves Spain with the same secrecy used for his arrival in mid-April and without answering for genocide allegations and other possible crimes that anti-Polisario groups accuse him of. Ghali had initially declined to sign a summons from Spain's High Court for a preliminary hearing in a war crimes case against him. The leader was admitted into a hospital in Spain for treatment last month, angering Morocco, which regards Western Sahara as part of Morocco and says Ghali is using travel documents provided by Algeria and a false name. Spain's foreign minister, Arancha Gonzalez Laya, said on Sunday that when Ghali has recovered from health problems, he should answer the case before he returns to his own country. Last week, Morocco appeared to relax border controls with the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, leading to thousands of people crossing illegally. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said earlier on Tuesday the country was failing to protect its borders. Rabat blamed the crossings on the weather and tired border guards though analysts said it appeared to be linked to the diplomatic dispute with Madrid.

Polisario Front independence movement leader Ghali to testify in Spain's High Court on June 1

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