Key facts
- Italy extended border restrictions with Spain for 15 days following a large migrant influx into Ceuta.
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Russia and Israel of spreading disinformation that fueled the migrant surge.
- Sanchez denied any involvement of Moroccan authorities in the border breach.
- Approximately 1,500 migrants, including 1,200 minors, remain in Ceuta.
- Spain is providing an additional €168 million in emergency funds to Ceuta's economy.
Italy has extended its suspension of open-border arrangements with Spain for another 15 days, a measure initially imposed following a significant migrant influx into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The suspension of the EU's passport-free Schengen zone aims to prevent migrants who entered Ceuta from traveling onward to Italy.
Spanish authorities report that between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals remain in Ceuta after an estimated 72,000 people crossed from neighboring Morocco on July 30. Tragically, at least 82 migrants were found dead on the Spanish side, with Morocco confirming 14 additional deaths. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has accused Russia and Israel of disseminating disinformation, including false claims about deportation policies, which he believes fueled the surge. He explicitly denied any involvement of Moroccan authorities in the border breach.
Spain is set to provide an additional €168 million in emergency funds to Ceuta's economy to help manage the situation. Meanwhile, Italy's interior ministry acknowledged the steps being taken by Spain and the European Union to restore normalcy.