Spain’s PM links Russia, Israel to disinformation behind Ceuta migrant crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has accused networks linked to Russia and Israel, as well as what he called an “international far right”, of spreading disinformation that contributed to the mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta.

Sánchez said a distorted interpretation of a Spanish Supreme Court ruling was circulated on social media, falsely suggesting that migrants entering the Spanish enclave by swimming could not be returned, Caliber.Az reports, citing Spanish media.

He said the government was still investigating the precise triggers of the influx but had established that the false claims had been widely disseminated online. Sánchez said the campaign sought to attack Spain and Europe and deepen divisions over migration.

The crisis began on July 30 and 31, when tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta. Sánchez said about 90% had since returned to Morocco, with around 5,000 people remaining in the enclave, including about 1,200 unaccompanied minors. More than 3,200 people have returned since August 10, he said.

Sánchez rejected suggestions that Morocco was responsible for triggering the crisis, saying Rabat had offered “instant, immediate cooperation”. He said the Spanish and Moroccan governments remained in constant contact during the two days of the mass crossings and that Moroccan authorities began an operational deployment on July 31.

He also defended Spain’s intelligence services, saying the National Intelligence Centre had issued situation reports and that security had been reinforced before the influx. However, he said no intelligence information had predicted an event on the scale that unfolded.

Sánchez dismissed reported differences between Defence Minister Margarita Robles and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska over the intelligence assessments, saying there was “no contradiction” between their accounts.

The prime minister said Spain had expanded accommodation capacity for migrants and minors and was working on returns in accordance with the law. He also said more than 100 migrants had been deported for criminal offences.

Sánchez announced that King Felipe VI would visit Ceuta “when the conditions allow”, without giving a date. He also said he intended to serve out the government’s full term and was willing to stand for re-election in 2027.

By Aghakazim Guliyev