World News
Spanish PM accuses Israel and Russia of spreading disinformation during Ceuta migrant crisis
Pedro Sánchez cited EU research linking social media campaigns to Moscow, Israel, and far-right networks, while clearing Moroccan authorities of involvement.
The short version
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused social media accounts linked to Israel, Russia, and international far-right groups of amplifying disinformation about a late July mass border crossing into the enclave of Ceuta.
- Sánchez cited findings from the European External Action Service and stated that intelligence agencies found no evidence the Moroccan government orchestrated the influx of roughly 70,000 migrants.
- Though most migrants returned to Morocco, thousands remain in Ceuta, leading to local tensions, clashes with residents, and opposition political backlash.
- Spain announced 168 million euros in additional emergency aid for Ceuta as authorities work to expand temporary housing and manage remaining migrants.
Key facts
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cited European External Action Service research indicating social media accounts linked to Russia, Israel, and far-right networks amplified disinformation during the Ceuta migrant crisis.[France 24 · Al Jazeera · The Guardian]
- Sánchez stated intelligence agencies found no evidence that Moroccan authorities engineered or were involved in the border crossing.[France 24 · Al Jazeera · The Guardian]
- Approximately 70,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco in late July, with up to 141 individuals estimated to have died during the attempt.[Al Jazeera · The Guardian]
- Disinformation spread by human traffickers falsely claimed that a Spanish Supreme Court ruling prevented the deportation of migrants who swam into Ceuta.[Al Jazeera · The Guardian]
- Spain's government announced an additional 168 million euros ($195 million) in aid for Ceuta to help address the crisis.[Al Jazeera]
- Opposition politicians criticized the government's response, with Vox leader Santiago Abascal labeling the events an invasion tolerated by the prime minister.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Discrepancies exist regarding the precise number of migrants remaining in Ceuta, with the Spanish government estimating between 1,500 and 7,000, while local right-wing politicians allege the count is at least 10,000.[Al Jazeera · The Guardian]