Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has dismissed allegations of Moroccan involvement in the mass migrant surge into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta at the end of July, attributing disinformation surrounding the crisis to Russia, Israel, and far-right groups. More than 70,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta between July 30 and 31, crossing from neighboring Morocco by swimming or on foot in an event that resulted in dozens of deaths.

Some analysts had speculated that the surge was a deliberate signal from Morocco in response to Sanchez’s visit to Algeria, a historic rival of Rabat, particularly against the backdrop of the disputed Western Sahara territory. This region, a former Spanish colony, is mostly controlled by Morocco but is claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which advocates for Western Sahara’s independence.

However, Sanchez told Cadena SER radio that no intelligence agencies regularly cooperating with Spain indicated any Moroccan government involvement in orchestrating the crisis. He emphasized the need for cooperation rather than distrust between Spain and Morocco to resolve the ongoing situation. Sanchez added that although Spain’s National Intelligence Centre and police provided reports, the scale and seriousness of the migrant influx had been unforeseen, and investigations into the causes remain ongoing.

The prime minister also accused certain actors of spreading rumors and disinformation related to the crisis on social media, specifically pointing to Russia, Israel, and international far-right groups. Sanchez suggested this interference was politically motivated, linked to Spain’s stance on Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded sharply, denying Israel’s involvement and accusing Sanchez of dishonesty regarding the disinformation claims. Saar characterized the accusations as a diversion from Spain’s handling of the crisis.

Experts have highlighted that disinformation on social media played a role in fueling the migrant movement, particularly through misinterpretations of a Spanish Supreme Court ruling that was understood to mean that migrants arriving by sea would not be returned. The crisis has strained relations within the European Union, impacting the Schengen free-travel zone’s principle of open borders.

Following the influx, Italy imposed a one-month border control on travelers from Spain, a move Madrid later reciprocated. Both countries have since agreed to extend these controls for an additional 15 days.

While the majority of migrants have returned to Morocco promptly, thousands remain in Ceuta, a small territory of roughly 18 square kilometers with 84,000 residents. Many of the migrants are living in precarious conditions, leading to heightened local tensions over security and sanitation. Demonstrations have been held by Ceuta residents demanding more decisive action.

In response, Sanchez announced plans to create 6,000 additional spaces in reception centers for migrants, where their status will be verified before potential repatriation. He also pledged approximately €168 million (about $195 million) in aid to address the humanitarian and logistical challenges posed by the crisis. Meanwhile, conservative and far-right political groups in Spain continue to pressure the government to return all recent arrivals, including minors, to Morocco.