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Israel’s UN envoy sparks Spain spat with accusation of ‘colonial enclaves’ in Africa
🇵🇸 Palestine /Conflict & Security

Israel’s UN envoy sparks Spain spat with accusation of ‘colonial enclaves’ in Africa

From Times of Israel · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Israel's UN envoy, Gilad Erdan, accused Spain of maintaining "colonial enclaves" in Africa during a UN Security Council meeting.
  • Erdan's remarks, made during a discussion on the migrant crisis in Ceuta, were seen as a response to Spanish criticism of Israel.
  • The envoy's comments fueled conspiracy theories in Spain, with some accusing Jerusalem of orchestrating the migrant incursion.

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, ignited a diplomatic spat with Spain by accusing the country of maintaining "colonial enclaves" in Africa. Erdan made the pointed remarks during a UN Security Council meeting focused on the migrant crisis unfolding in the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.

The ambassador's accusation appeared to be a retaliatory response to recent criticism from Spain regarding Israeli policies. Erdan's comments, however, quickly reverberated beyond the diplomatic chambers, fueling conspiracy theories within Spain. Some factions began accusing Jerusalem of covertly orchestrating the migrant incursion into Ceuta.

The controversy led to a rebuke from Israel's ambassador in Madrid, highlighting the diplomatic friction caused by Erdan's statements. The incident underscores the sensitive geopolitical dynamics surrounding migration and the historical legacies of colonialism in the region.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Times of Israel. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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