Claims are circulating on social media and among some politicians alleging that Israel encouraged the mass migration from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, as a retaliation for Spain's critical stance toward Israel. The accusations have emerged amid the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis in Ceuta, where tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco in recent days.
Claims are circulating on social media and among some politicians alleging that Israel encouraged the mass migration from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta as a retaliatory measure against Spain's critical stance toward Israel. The accusations, which have not been independently verified, mark a new dimension in the ongoing diplomatic fallout from the Ceuta crisis, and follow a series of direct exchanges between Spanish and Israeli officials on Friday.
On Friday, reports first emerged that Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente had hinted at Israeli involvement. Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon responded by criticizing Spain's colonial enclaves in Africa, prompting Puente to reply directly, writing that "things are starting to become clear." By Friday evening, Spain's suggestion of Israeli involvement had become more explicit, and Danon and Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev rejected the accusations. Danon told Spain to "stop lecturing us," while Regev stated that the crisis stems from Spanish policy, not Israeli actions.
The Ceuta crisis, as The Zioneer has reported extensively, began when tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco, overwhelming the enclave's infrastructure and leading to a humanitarian emergency. The situation has strained Spain's relations with European partners, with Italy ordering a suspension of Schengen travel with Spain. Separately, a New York Times report cited migrants who said Moroccan authorities encouraged them to cross.
The allegations of Israeli involvement remain unsubstantiated. No official Israeli response regarding the latest social media claims has been reported beyond the Friday statements from Danon and Regev.
4 developments
- DevelopingMoroccan migrants say authorities encouraged them to cross into Ceuta, NYT reports
- DevelopingEl País: Spanish government assesses Morocco directly assisted Ceuta migrant wave
- StrongSpanish residents curse PM Sánchez, blame him for Ceuta migrant crisis
- DevelopingSpanish resident of Ceuta says she is scared, calls migrant influx 'an invasion'
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