Social Media Blames Israel for Migrant Crisis in Spanish Enclave Ceuta Amid Rising Tensions

Between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa on Thursday, resulting in dozens of deaths during the attempt. According to the Spanish Interior Ministry, 48,000 of the migrants have since returned to Morocco. The surge triggered Italy to immediately suspend its free movement agreement with Spain. Ceuta, located on the northern coast of Morocco by the Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar, is a Spanish territory claimed by Morocco but internationally recognized as Spanish.

Following the crisis, conspiracy theories and accusations emerged on social media blaming Israel for encouraging the migrant influx as retaliation against Spain’s critical stance toward Israel. Spain has taken a harshly critical line against Israel since the outbreak of the Iron Swords war, officially recognizing a Palestinian state and clashing publicly with Israeli officials. Old tweets by Yair Netanyahu, son of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, resurfaced to support these claims, including a 2019 tweet referencing the Spanish enclaves in North Africa.

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon’s tweet, which criticized Spain’s colonial holdings in Ceuta and Melilla, further fueled speculation. Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente hinted at Israeli involvement in a retweet, intensifying the controversy. In response, Israeli diplomat Dana Erlich clarified that Danon’s remarks do not represent Israel’s official position.

Anti-Israel and conspiracy voices on social media, including far-right figures and influencers, have linked the migrant crisis to broader geopolitical conflicts, alleging Israeli support for Islamic uprisings in North Africa to destabilize Europe. Pro-Palestinian actor Javier Bardem also shared posts blaming Israel for the situation as revenge against Spain. Meanwhile, pro-Israel voices used the event to criticize Spain’s hostility toward Israel. The episode highlights the complex interplay of migration, regional politics, and social media misinformation amid ongoing tensions between Spain, Morocco, and Israel.