Spanish Prime Minister Blames Russia, Israel for Ceuta Disinformation

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.