Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has accused Russian and Israeli social media actors of amplifying misinformation during the Ceuta migration crisis, describing the episode as a “hybrid attack” on Spain and the European Union.
Speaking to Cadena SER, Sánchez said false claims about a Spanish Supreme Court ruling helped fuel the surge into Ceuta, while adding he had seen no evidence that Morocco orchestrated the influx.
“It’s clear that if Russia gets involved in spreading misinformation on this issue, or if Israel also spreads misinformation on this issue while criticising the Spanish government, then it is not because they are concerned about migration in Spain or Europe, but rather because of the political positions we are taking,” Sánchez said on Cadena SER radio.
Key developments:
- More than 70,000 people entered Ceuta in a single day in late July; Spanish authorities say at least 82 people died.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar rejected Sánchez’s allegations, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also denied the claims.
- Spain and Italy have extended temporary border checks as EU divisions over migration continue.
- Spain’s government announced an additional €168 million in emergency funding for Ceuta, supplementing €180 million pledged last week to support the enclave’s economic recovery.
The accusations come amid already strained relations between Spain, Russia and Israel. Madrid has maintained a firm position against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while relations with Israel have deteriorated over Spain’s criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its recognition of a Palestinian state.
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