Spain says Russia and Israel amplified Ceuta crisis online

Spain says digital forums linked to Russia and Israel amplified the migration crisis in Ceuta, using the episode to deepen divisions within the European Union.

Government spokesperson Elma Saiz said Madrid had evidence of the role played by what she called the “international far right” after tens of thousands of migrants entered the Spanish enclave from Morocco about a month ago. She said the evidence came from internal reports by Spain’s Foreign Ministry and pointed to a European Commission statement on Aug. 6 that identified Russia as a source of disinformation related to the events.

Saiz also rejected claims from opposition parties, left-wing allies and regionalist parties that Morocco bore responsibility, either through action or omission. She said the government had no evidence, report or indication that Morocco participated in what happened on July 30 and 31.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry asked Spain to provide evidence of its alleged involvement in disinformation campaigns that contributed to the migration crisis. Saiz referred to the Spanish government’s internal reports and invited observers to review social media posts supporting Madrid’s position.

An estimated 80,000 migrants, though no official figure exists, reached Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 and 31. Thousands returned in the following days after finding it difficult to cross the Mediterranean toward mainland Europe, but the arrivals still triggered a humanitarian and political crisis.

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We work with evidence, and there is no evidence, no report and no indication that Morocco participated in what happened on July 30 and 31.