Spanish PM blames Russian and Israeli networks for disinformation on Ceuta migrant surge
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said online rumors about the mass crossing of migrants into Ceuta were spread by groups linked to Russia and Israel, accusing them of using the issue to undermine Europe.
Spain's prime minister said that social-media rumors surrounding the mass arrival of migrants in the North African enclave of Ceuta were amplified by networks tied to Russia and Israel. He told Cadena SER that the disinformation was intended to attack Spain and divide Europe, adding that the European External Action Service had identified such links, though no details were released.
Between July 30 and 31, more than 72,000 people attempted to cross from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city, and at least 70 died, according to the national news agency EFE. Most were returned to Morocco, but about 5,000 remained in the enclave at the end of August, including 1,200 minors.
Sánchez rejected claims that Moroccan authorities had facilitated the surge, describing Spain's cooperation with Morocco on migration as "frankly very positive" and emphasizing that a solution requires joint effort. He linked the alleged disinformation to Spain's stance on the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza, saying the attacks were not about migration concerns but about political positions.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded on the social platform X, calling Sánchez's statements "brazen lies" and accusing him of defamation. Israel's UN ambassador also criticized Spain's handling of the crisis, questioning the country's colonial enclaves in Africa. Russian officials, cited by Russian media, denied the allegations.
The incident prompted a joint letter from leaders of 22 EU member states urging stronger deterrence of illegal migration and coordination of border policies, referencing Spain's recent regularisation programme for undocumented migrants as a potential pull factor.