Israelis' honeymoon in Ceuta turned into a siege: 'We were locked in the hotel for two and a half days'

Maor Lopes and his wife traveled to Ceuta for their honeymoon, but a mass crossing of migrants from Morocco turned their vacation into a siege. They spent two and a half days confined to their hotel room before moving in with family. Between 50,000 and 60,000 people entered the city, which has about 83,000 residents. The annual festival was canceled, businesses closed, and they are considering returning to Israel if the situation worsens.

Maor Lopes (28) from Ashdod and his wife traveled to Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in North Africa, to celebrate their honeymoon, visit his family, and attend the annual festival. However, a mass crossing of migrants from Morocco turned their vacation into a siege. The couple spent two and a half days locked in their hotel room, unable to leave, under heavy security of police and military. According to estimates published in Spain, between 50,000 and 60,000 people entered the city in a short time, a huge number relative to its population of about 83,000 residents. Lopes said the sight of the crowds caused great fear, especially in light of the events of October 7, and his wife went into panic. The annual festival, which was supposed to start on Saturday and last until the following Saturday, was canceled. Many businesses closed, and some began to reopen under security. The couple moved to stay with family after their hotel booking ended. They are considering returning to Israel if the situation worsens, but hope to continue their honeymoon.

Israelis' honeymoon in Ceuta turned into a siege: 'We were locked in the hotel for two and a half days'