Spain PM Sanchez Blames Russia, Israel For Ceuta Migrant Disinformation
ContestedRigor 5230 sources
The Story
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday accused Russia and Israel of spreading disinformation regarding last month's migrant influx into Ceuta. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called Sanchez's accusation lying shamelessly and a brazen lie in a social media post on Monday. The Russian government also rejected Spain's allegations on Monday, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta between July 30 and 31. Estimates for the total number of crossings range from over 60,000 to over 80,000 people. Most migrants subsequently returned to Morocco. As of Monday, approximately 5,000 migrants, including 1,200 minors, remained in Ceuta, according to Sanchez. The city government of Ceuta estimates more than 9,000 immigrants still remain. At least 100 people died in the attempt, according to Ceuta's local authorities. Some reports state as many as 141 people died. Sanchez stated that research by the EU's diplomatic service EEAS indicated Russian and Israeli networks were behind the disinformation, in conjunction with far-right networks. He said the two countries used the crisis to criticize Madrid due to dissatisfaction with its position on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Spanish authorities said videos on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media spread misleading claims that migrants reaching Ceuta by sea could remain in Spain, encouraging thousands to attempt the crossing. Sanchez ruled out Moroccan authorities' involvement, stating no intelligence service cooperating with Madrid found evidence of it. He said the crisis should be addressed through cooperation with Morocco. The influx followed a Spanish Supreme Court ruling concerning the return of migrants who enter Ceuta by sea. Residents of Ceuta have held protests, with some ending in clashes with police. On Sunday, August 30, several hundred residents protested, shouting slogans like "Ceuta is not for sale, Ceuta is defended" and out with invaders. Police arrested three Moroccan citizens on Sunday for throwing bottles with corrosive liquids at an army patrol in Ceuta. A soldier was injured on Thursday, August 27, when migrants threw stones at troops, and 12 Moroccan migrants were arrested.
The Spread
Contested
What they agree on
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Russia and Israel of spreading disinformation during the Ceuta migrant crisis.
- Tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco between July 30 and 31.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and the Russian government denied involvement in spreading disinformation.
- Pedro Sanchez stated there was no evidence of Moroccan authorities' involvement in the mass crossing.
- Protests by Ceuta residents have occurred, with some leading to clashes and arrests.
Where they split
- Some outlets, like The Guardian, mention a higher death toll of 141 people, while others, such as France 24 and Reuters, cite at least 100 deaths.
- The Africa Report focuses on the crisis igniting Western far-right movements and President Donald Trump loyalists taking aim at Madrid, a perspective not emphasized by other international or US major outlets.
- Politico Europe highlights Sanchez's criticism of King Felipe VI for not visiting Ceuta, a detail less prominent or absent in other coverage.
- Some articles, like El Pais (English), provide more detailed accounts of local resident experiences and tensions in Ceuta, including specific incidents of migrants breaking into homes or attacks on camps.
Source Perspectives
Left6 sources
Center17 sources