Spain Identifies Disinformation Campaigns Amid Migration Surge

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Monday that there are signs indicating Russia and Israel have spread disinformation regarding Spain’s migration policy. This misinformation led to a massive influx of migrants into Ceuta last month. Sanchez noted there is no evidence of involvement from Moroccan authorities.

During a two-day period from July 30 to 31, more than 72,000 migrants illegally crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, an event that raised concern across the European Union. Ceuta is one of only two EU land borders with Africa. Local authorities in Ceuta reported at least 100 migrants died in the attempt to cross.

Opposition parties and some human rights groups in Spain have blamed Morocco for deliberately allowing the mass inflow of migrants, but Morocco has rejected these accusations. Sanchez, speaking to radio station SER, denied any Moroccan participation in the events.

According to Spanish authorities, misleading claims circulated on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These claims suggested that migrants reaching Ceuta by sea would be allowed to stay in Spain, prompting thousands to make the journey.

Sanchez indicated that the European Union’s diplomatic service (EEAS) had conducted research suggesting that Russian and Israeli networks were involved in spreading this misinformation. This effort was reportedly aligned with far-right networks. He emphasized it was clear these countries used the situation to criticize Spain’s stance on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia’s Embassy in Spain, and the EEAS did not immediately provide comments to Reuters.

Tensions in Ceuta

Currently, around 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, with some seeking asylum. Their presence has sparked frequent local protests against the Spanish government’s crisis management and occasional attacks on a temporary migrant camp at El Trampolin beach, according to police sources.

On Sunday, police detained three Moroccan citizens for throwing bottles containing corrosive liquids at an army patrol in Ceuta. Fortunately, the attack did not result in injuries.

In response to the crisis, Sanchez announced on Monday that the cabinet would allocate an additional €168 million ($195 million) to stimulate Ceuta’s economy, a sum equaling 8% of the enclave’s gross domestic product. This funding is in addition to the €180 million promised last week for medium-term economic recovery efforts.