Spanish MEP appeals to Netanyahu to back Spain's sovereignty amid Ceuta border crisis

Juan Carlos Girauta, a Spanish member of the European Parliament, has directly appealed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak out in defense of Spain's territorial integrity. Girauta expressed his admiration for Netanyahu's life story and courage, emphasizing that the Spanish government does not solely represent Spain.

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With my greatest admiration and respect for Netanyahu’s life story and courage, I ask Netanyahu to speak out in defense of Spain’s territorial integrity, because the Spanish government is not Spain.

The appeal arises from a significant border crisis in Ceuta, Spain's North African enclave, where tens of thousands of migrants entered from Morocco. Spain initially estimated nearly 50,000 people entered on July 30, with the total reaching close to 60,000 in the following days. By August 3, approximately 69,500 had reportedly returned to Morocco, though this figure may include repeat crossings.

Ceuta's limited infrastructure and resident population of about 84,000 were overwhelmed by the influx. Residents reported seeing a constant stream of migrants, with businesses forced to close due to the sheer number of people seeking food, money, or phone access. Police responded to numerous fights, and residents reported thefts and looting.

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We had already spent several days seeing an incessant trickle of migrants, morning and afternoon.

As of August 3, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 migrants remained in Ceuta, with some sleeping outdoors as reception centers were full. Spanish authorities took responsibility for 862 unaccompanied children and teenagers. The human toll was substantial, with Spanish officials reporting 72 deaths on their side of the border and Morocco's Foreign Ministry reporting 11 deaths on theirs.

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Any business that tried to open even a little had perhaps 500 people come in and had to close and call the police. You cannot serve 90,000 people all at once.