Is Spain being punished?

Spain declared a state of emergency after an unprecedented surge of migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, a situation Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez denounced as a “violation of territorial integrity.” In a single 24-hour period, tens of thousands of people entered Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the African mainland. The crisis resulted in the deaths of at least 57 migrants attempting the perilous journey.

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violation of territorial integrity

Amidst the chaos, speculation arose among some Spanish officials that Israel might be behind the mass influx as retaliation for Spain's vocal criticism of its policies, including its actions in Gaza and recognition of the State of Palestine. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente cryptically remarked, “Well, everything is getting to be pretty clear,” seemingly alluding to this theory.

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Spain, which never misses an opportunity to lecture Israel, has declared a state of emergency in Ceuta following the crisis over its immigration policy.

This speculation gained traction following critical remarks by Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon. He took to social media to criticize Spain's immigration policy and question its "colonial enclaves" in Africa, particularly Ceuta and Melilla, which Morocco also claims. Danon's comments were met with a sharp response from Puente, who appeared to confirm suspicions of Israeli involvement.

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maybe before [Spain] continues lecturing us, it’s time it explained to the world why it still maintains colonial enclaves in Africa.

Further fueling the narrative, articles from Israeli and pro-Israel commentators suggested Israel could "help Morocco reclaim" Ceuta and Melilla. This perspective frames the situation as a geopolitical chess match, where Spain's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has provoked a retaliatory response involving migration flows into its territory.

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Well, everything is getting to be pretty clear