Spanish PM Accuses Russia, Israel of Spreading Disinformation over Ceuta Migrant Crisis

EPA

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Monday that there were indications that Russia and Israel had spread disinformation about Spain’s migration policy, which contributed to last month’s unprecedented influx of migrants into Ceuta. However, he said there was no evidence of Moroccan involvement.

More than 72,000 migrants crossed irregularly from Morocco into the small Spanish territory between 30 and 31 July, in an unprecedented surge at one of the European Union’s only two land borders with Africa. The influx prompted widespread concern across the bloc.

According to local authorities in Ceuta, at least 100 people died while attempting to cross into the territory.

"When people talk and speculate about the participation of Moroccan authorities, I deny this outright," Sanchez told radio station SER.

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, Spanish authorities have said.

Sanchez said research by the EU's diplomatic service EEAS had indicated that Russian and Israeli networks had been behind the spread of disinformation in conjunction with far-right networks.

He said it was clear that the two countries had used the crisis ‌to ⁠criticise Madrid due to dissatisfaction with its position on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, but gave no further details on the evidence he had of their involvement.

Around 5,000 migrants, including some seeking asylum, have remained in Ceuta since the border surge. Their presence has prompted near-daily protests by local residents over the Spanish government’s handling of the crisis, as well as sporadic attacks on a makeshift migrant camp at El Trampolin beach, according to police reports.

Sánchez also announced on Monday that the cabinet would provide an additional €168 million ($195 million) in emergency funding to help revive Ceuta’s economy. The sum is equivalent to around 8% of the enclave’s gross domestic product and comes on top of the €180 million pledged last week for medium-term recovery efforts.



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