Sanchez's Failure — What's Really Happening After the Ceuta Crisis

In an article for Maariv, reserve lieutenant colonel Amit Yagur argues that the crisis in Ceuta is more complex than official statements suggest. He doubts the figure of 70,000 returned migrants, pointing to the enclave's small area. Many of those who entered were minors, whom Spain cannot deport immediately. The proposal to speed up the transfer of minors to the mainland may encourage new attempts. Yagur also notes Morocco's role and criticizes European media for repeating official statements.

In an article for Maariv, reserve lieutenant colonel Amit Yagur argues that the crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, turned out to be more complex than official statements suggest. Spanish authorities reported the return of about 70,000 migrants to Morocco and the restoration of order, but Yagur doubts this figure, noting that Ceuta's area is only 18.5 square kilometers, making it impossible to accommodate such a number. In his view, the figure reflects rather the number of attempted crossings. Many of those who actually entered the enclave were minors, whom Spain cannot immediately deport due to legislation. The government proposed to speed up the transfer of thousands of minors to the mainland, which, according to Yagur, may encourage new attempts to cross the border. He also notes Morocco's role, which considers Ceuta occupied territory and may have relaxed border control to create pressure. Yagur criticizes European media for repeating official statements and believes the crisis reflects broader problems in European migration policy.