Sánchez Blames Israel and Russia for Ceuta Disinformation, Ignoring Leaked Report on Morocco
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused Israel and Russia of spreading disinformation to undermine his government following the July 30-31 migrant surge into Ceuta, which saw over 72,000 arrivals and at least 100 deaths. While Sánchez cited EU research linking foreign actors to online hoaxes, a leaked police report suggesting Moroccan involvement was denied by Spanish authorities. Both Israel and Russia rejected the accusations, and the EU confirmed Russian exploitation of the crisis but found no evidence that foreign states triggered the surge itself.
Key points
- Sánchez stated in an interview that disinformation campaigns by Russia, Israel, and far-right groups expanded after the Ceuta crisis, motivated by Spain's stance on Gaza and Ukraine.
- A leaked report from Spain's National Centre for Immigration and Borders (CENIF) alleged Moroccan security forces orchestrated the influx, but police chief Francisco Pardo denied its existence to the Interior Minister.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar called Sánchez's claims 'shameless lies,' while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied Russian involvement in the migrant crisis or disinformation.
- The EU's European External Action Service confirmed Russia attempted to exploit the crisis online but stated there was no conclusive evidence that foreign state actors triggered the surge.
- Sánchez pledged €168 million in aid for Ceuta and noted that 6,000 reception center spaces would soon be available, while thousands of migrants remain in the territory.
Background
The Ceuta crisis began on July 30-31, 2026, when over 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish exclave, resulting in at least 100 deaths. Previous coverage noted that Sánchez had already accused Russia and Israel of a 'hybrid attack' using disinformation, while local unrest included the torching of migrant shelters. Diplomatic ties between Spain and Israel had deteriorated since 2023 due to the Gaza war, with both countries recalling ambassadors by 2026.
How outlets are covering it
The Jerusalem Post and Courthouse News highlight Sánchez's direct accusations against Israel and Russia, citing EU research as evidence. Euronews provides a contrasting perspective by detailing a leaked police report that blamed Moroccan security forces, a claim Spanish officials denied. The EU's position, reported by The Jerusalem Post, is more cautious, acknowledging Russian online exploitation but rejecting the idea that foreign states caused the surge. Israel and Russia firmly denied the allegations, with Israeli officials calling the claims defamatory.
Why it matters
The crisis has strained EU cohesion, leading Italy and Spain to extend temporary border checks, undermining the Schengen free-travel zone. It also highlights how migration issues are being weaponized by foreign state actors and far-right movements to destabilize European governments, particularly those critical of Israel's actions in Gaza or supportive of Ukraine.
What to watch
Spain is awaiting the verification of migrants' status before any potential return to Morocco. The investigation into the origins of the disinformation campaigns and the authenticity of the leaked police report will likely continue, potentially affecting diplomatic relations with Morocco, Israel, and Russia.
- Spain’s prime minister blames Israel, Russia for disinformation around Ceuta border crisis The Jerusalem Post
- Spanish police chief says no report blames Morocco for Ceuta crossings Euronews.com
- Spanish prime minister points finger at Israel, Russia disinformation over Ceuta migrant crisis thehill.com
- Spain's leader says Russia and Israel fueled immigration "disinformation" Yahoo
- Spanish PM rules out Moroccan responsibility in migrant surge courthousenews.com
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The Jerusalem Post