Spanish PM Accuses Russia and Israel of Spreading Disinformation During Ceuta Migrant Crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has publicly accused Russia and Israel of spreading disinformation amidst the recent migrant crisis in Ceuta, Spain. Citing research by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Union’s foreign service, Sanchez claimed that the two nations were responsible for the dissemination of false information on social networks.

The crisis, which began on July 30, 2026, saw tens of thousands of migrants rush the border into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco. While the majority of these individuals returned to Morocco within hours, thousands remained, leading to significant challenges for the local authorities. The situation was further complicated by misinformation, including false rumors that the border with Morocco would remain open, exacerbating the crisis.

Sanchez emphasized that the disinformation campaign, which included false claims by human trafficking groups, played a pivotal role in the migrant influx. He pointed to the role of "an ultra-right international" that exploits migration issues to attack Spain and Europe, aiming to divide the continent.

The Spanish Prime Minister also ruled out any involvement of Moroccan authorities in the crisis, stating that "no intelligence service with which the Spanish government normally cooperates" suggested any Moroccan involvement. He emphasized the need for cooperation and trust with Morocco, promising an additional 168 million euros ($195m) in aid for Ceuta to address the crisis.

Sanchez's remarks come amidst tensions between Spain and Russia, particularly over Madrid's position on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. He argued that Russia and Israel used the crisis to criticize the Spanish government, a sentiment echoed by the prime minister, who noted that the two countries were at odds with Madrid over these issues.

The influx of migrants has also caused unrest among the residents of Ceuta, a territory of just 18 square kilometers (7 square miles) with a population of 80,000. Demonstrations have been held over security and hygiene concerns linked to the migrant influx, with estimates of the remaining migrants in the territory ranging from 3,500 to 10,000, depending on the source.

Spain's left-wing government has been under increased pressure to manage the situation effectively, with calls for European solidarity to address the broader migration crisis on the continent. The EU has been requested to provide emergency funding and assistance in processing the remaining migrants in Ceuta.

The crisis has underscored the challenges that European countries face in managing migration, particularly when dealing with the complexities of neighboring countries and international actors. The accusations against Russia and Israel serve as a reminder of the role that disinformation can play in exacerbating such situations, highlighting the need for robust fact-checking and international cooperation in response to such crises.