Spanish PM Blames Ceuta Crisis on Israeli, Russian ‘Misinformation’ By The Media Line Staff Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Israel and Russia of spreading “misinformation” that helped drive more than 72,000 migrants into Ceuta from Morocco last month, alleging the two countries sought to retaliate against his government’s political positions. “It’s clear that if […]
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The Media Line: Spanish PM Blames Ceuta Crisis on Israeli, Russian ‘Misinformation’
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Spanish PM Blames Ceuta Crisis on Israeli, Russian ‘Misinformation’
By The Media Line Staff
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Israel and Russia of spreading “misinformation” that helped drive more than 72,000 migrants into Ceuta from Morocco last month, alleging the two countries sought to retaliate against his government’s political positions.
“It’s clear that if Russia gets involved in spreading misinformation on this issue, or if Israel also spreads misinformation on this issue while criticizing the Spanish government, then it is not because they are concerned about migration in Spain or Europe, but rather because of the political positions we are taking,” Sánchez said on Cadena SER radio.
Sanchez did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
More than 72,000 migrants entered Ceuta, one of only two European land borders with Africa, between July 30 and 31. Around 100 people died during the mass crossing.
Spanish authorities said misleading posts on Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms encouraged thousands of migrants to attempt to reach Ceuta by sea by falsely claiming that those who arrived would be permitted to remain in Spain.
Sanchez said research by the EU’s diplomatic service, the EEAS, linked the dissemination of those claims to Russian and Israeli networks. The alleged connection has not been independently verified.
The prime minister claimed Russia and Israel sought to provoke the migration surge because of Spain’s criticism of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine and Israel’s military operations in the Gaza war.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar rejected the accusation, saying Sanchez was “lying shamelessly” in an effort to divert attention from domestic policy failures.
Russia’s Embassy in Spain and the EEAS did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
Sanchez did not blame Morocco for the influx. Spanish opposition parties and some human rights groups, however, have accused Rabat of intentionally permitting the mass crossing.