Spain’s Prime Minister Accuses Russia and Israel of Fueling Ceuta Migrant Crisis with Disinformation

POLICY WIRE — Madrid, Spain — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pointed fingers at networks associated with Russia and Israel, accusing them of disseminating false information regarding the migration crisis in Ceuta. He asserts that these countries are leveraging the situation in response to Spain’s firm positions on the war in Ukraine and Israel’s actions in the Palestinian Territories.

Over 72,000 migrants surged into Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the North African coast, from Morocco between July 30 and 31. The EFE news agency reported that at least 70 individuals perished during the mass crossings.

Although the majority of migrants were sent back to Morocco, approximately 5,000, including 1,200 minors, remained in Ceuta by the end of August, according to Sánchez.

Sánchez revealed that the European External Action Service found connections to Israeli and Russian networks, although he did not provide further details. He emphasized that any disinformation spread by these countries is not out of concern for migration in Spain or Europe, but due to Spain’s political stances on the Gaza conflict and Ukraine.

The Spanish leader dismissed claims that Moroccan authorities encouraged the border rush, highlighting the positive cooperation between Spain and Morocco on immigration issues. He stressed that resolving the crisis requires collaboration.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar vehemently denied Sánchez’s accusations, labeling them as “brazen lies” and criticizing Spain’s management of the crisis. Similarly, Russia’s government rejected Sánchez’s allegations through anonymous officials cited by RBC Newspaper and Europe Press.

The influx of migrants into Ceuta has raised concerns across Europe. On August 1, leaders from 22 EU member states signed a joint letter emphasizing the need to combat illegal migration and strengthen external borders. The letter also referenced Spain’s large-scale regularization program for undocumented migrants, which received over 1.1 million applications.

Sánchez defended Spain’s migration policy, arguing that granting legal status to undocumented migrants allows them to contribute to the welfare state and integrate more easily into Spanish society.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)