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Spanish Prime Minister Blames Russia, Israel for Ceuta Disinformation

General38 sourcesSep 1, 2026
FlatRigor 5238 sources

The Story

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused networks linked to Russia and Israel of spreading disinformation regarding the migration crisis in Ceuta. Sánchez stated on Monday that these countries were exploiting the issue in retaliation for Madrid's positions on the war in Ukraine and Israel's actions in the Palestinian Territories. He cited research by the European External Action Service (EEAS) but provided no further details; the EEAS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Russia and Israel have denied their involvement. The migration influx saw over 72,000 migrants cross from Morocco into the autonomous Spanish territory of Ceuta on July 30 and 31. At least 70 people died during these attempted mass-crossings, according to Spain's national EFE news agency. Around 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta at the end of August, including 1,200 minors, Sánchez said. Ceuta's chief prosecutor Silvia Rojas reported 23 sexual assaults, including nine against children, since the mass influx, noting this is almost one case daily. Rojas told El País newspaper that migrant girls are particularly vulnerable. Suspected attackers include four Moroccans, three Spaniards, and a Belgian, Efe news agency reports. Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo announced a multi-million euro aid package to provide essential services and care for unaccompanied children. Sánchez has ruled out Moroccan involvement in the migrant surge, stating no intelligence service suggests it. Morocco has renewed demands for Spain to return Ceuta and Melilla. Italy responded to the influx by introducing targeted air and sea border checks for non-EU nationals arriving from Spain, prompting Spain to retaliate with matching temporary border controls.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused networks linked to Russia and Israel of spreading disinformation regarding the Ceuta migration crisis.
  • Over 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish territory of Ceuta on July 30 and 31.
  • Sánchez stated there is no evidence of Moroccan involvement in the migrant surge.
  • Around 5,000 migrants, including over 1,200 minors, remained in Ceuta at the end of August.
  • Russia and Israel have denied their involvement in spreading disinformation.

Where they split

  • CBS News and EFE news agency report at least 70 deaths during the attempted mass-crossings, while Middle East Eye and The Guardian report at least 141 deaths.
  • The North Africa Post frames the Ceuta migration crisis as exposing the "hypocrisy, ingratitude of Spanish political class towards Morocco," a perspective not explicitly detailed in other outlets.
  • Breitbart News emphasizes the "illegal migrant invasion" and reports on a Sigma Dos survey indicating 82.2 percent of voters believe the Sánchez government "has not done enough," a detail not present in other coverage.
  • Middle East Eye provides historical context on Morocco's claims to Ceuta and Melilla, including details of colonial conquest and treaties, which other articles do not include.

Source Perspectives

Left1 source
Center36 sources
Right1 source