Key facts
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated there is no evidence Morocco orchestrated the mass migrant entry into Ceuta.
- A Spanish police report highlighted the 'total permissiveness' of Moroccan security forces regarding the migrant influx.
- Sánchez told parliament that no one foresaw the crisis and blamed social media hoaxes and trafficking gangs.
- Moroccan officials deny enabling the crossing.
- Approximately 70,000 migrants entered Ceuta in late July.
- Spain's interior minister requested a police investigation into a report blaming Morocco.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has stated that no evidence suggests Morocco orchestrated the mass migrant influx into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, despite a police report indicating Moroccan security forces exhibited 'total permissiveness' during the event. Sánchez told parliament that the crisis, which saw approximately 70,000 migrants enter Ceuta in late July, was unforeseen and fueled by social media hoaxes and trafficking gangs. He emphasized close co-ordination with Moroccan authorities for the return of over 90% of the migrants, while also criticizing 'unacceptable' statements from Moroccan ministers regarding Ceuta and Melilla. The handling of the crisis has drawn criticism, with opposition parties protesting and some European partners, like Italy, imposing border restrictions on arrivals from Spain. Approximately 5,000 migrants, including 1,400 children, remain in Ceuta.