Tens of Thousands Storm Europe's Border: Morocco Points Finger at Networks

Tens of thousands of migrants stormed the border of Ceuta, the Spanish enclave, causing a severe migration crisis. Morocco rejects accusations and claims that misleading information on social media sparked the influx. Spain accuses 'human trafficking mafias'. Numbers differ: Morocco reports 40,000 people in Ceuta, Spain 50-60 thousand. The death toll is disputed – 72 according to Spain, 11 according to Morocco. Italy called to suspend Schengen, France reinforced borders. Most infiltrators were returned.

Tens of thousands of migrants stormed the border of Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in North Africa, causing a severe migration crisis between Morocco and Spain. The Moroccan Interior Ministry spokesman, Rachid El-Khalfi, stated that the influx is not accidental but a result of the spread of misleading information on social media, the activity of human trafficking networks, and a misinterpretation of legal information that created an illusion of easy entry into Europe. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, in turn, accused 'human trafficking mafias' of exploiting a recent ruling by Spain's Supreme Court that makes it harder to deport migrants. Numbers differ: Morocco reports about 40,000 people in Ceuta and another 1,135 in Melilla, while Spain estimates 50-60 thousand infiltrators. The death toll is disputed – Spain reports at least 72 dead, Morocco only 11. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called to suspend the Schengen Agreement with Spain, and French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez ordered to reinforce border controls. The crisis sparked anti-immigration protests in Ceuta and conspiracy theories blaming Israel. Most infiltrators were returned, and Spain plans to build additional fences.