Journey of death to occupied Ceuta writes new tragedies in the books of bereaved mothers

The perilous journey to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has once again resulted in tragedy, with dozens of migrants, including minors, losing their lives. As of Saturday morning, Spanish authorities had confirmed 67 victims from what is being described as a "great escape," leaving families in agonizing suspense.

Amid scenes of returning migrants, mothers stand in anxious anticipation, searching for children whose news has gone silent. One such mother, Najah, is desperately seeking her three underage children – a 14-year-old son and two daughters aged 13 and 12 – who crossed into Ceuta without her knowledge. She has been searching since Friday, with no word on their fate.

"They told me they would call me, but no one has called. I don't know where they are. All I want is for my children to return safely," Najah expressed, her voice filled with fear amidst reports of deaths. She mentioned hearing that an association might be caring for them but lacks details about the organization or their location, fearing exploitation or harm, especially for the girls.

Najah appealed to the authorities for urgent intervention to uncover the fate of the missing children and reassure their families. Nearby, another couple in their fifties, their faces etched with worry, await news of their son who disappeared three days ago during the same ill-fated migration attempt. Migrants who have returned recount the horrors of the complex journey, describing deaths by drowning in the sea or being trampled in the chaos of crossing, which saw over 50,000 people reach Ceuta under difficult and dangerous conditions.