Israeli Couple’s Honeymoon in Spanish Enclave Ceuta Turns Into Two-Day Lockdown Amid Migrant Crisis

An Israeli couple from Ashdod experienced a frightening ordeal during their honeymoon in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, when a mass migrant crossing from Morocco led to a citywide lockdown. The couple arrived on Tuesday to visit family and attend the annual festival but were confined to their hotel room for two and a half days starting Thursday due to the sudden influx of an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants into the city of 83,000 residents.

Ceuta is one of the only land borders between the European Union and Africa, and the migrant surge overwhelmed the city, prompting heavy military and police presence. The Israeli man described the streets filled with migrants and said his wife panicked, fearing a repeat of the violence seen in Israel on October 7. Although the situation has somewhat calmed, many migrants remain hidden in the city, and residents were advised to stay indoors due to concerns about theft and violence.

Many local businesses closed during the crisis, and food and water shortages were reported. The annual festival was canceled, causing frustration among residents who rely on it for income. Violent clashes occurred as locals attempted to drive migrants back to Morocco, with reports of attacks on migrants in several neighborhoods.

The couple’s hotel booking ended while the city was still unstable, forcing them to stay with family. They remain uncertain about the situation’s future and may return to Israel if conditions worsen, as attempts to breach the border continue.

Summary: An Israeli couple on their honeymoon in Ceuta were trapped in their hotel for over two days amid a massive migrant influx from Morocco that overwhelmed the city, leading to violence, business closures, and a canceled festival. Heavy security remains as the situation stabilizes but uncertainty persists.

Points: - Israeli couple trapped in hotel for 2.5 days during mass migrant crossing in Ceuta. - Around 50,000-60,000 migrants entered the city of 83,000 residents in a short time. - Heavy military and police presence enforced lockdown amid fears of violence. - Annual festival canceled, businesses closed, and food shortages reported. - Violent clashes between residents and migrants occurred as locals tried to expel migrants. - Couple uncertain about continuing honeymoon; may return to Israel if situation worsens.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people":["M"],"organizations":["Spanish military","police"],"places":["Ceuta","Morocco","Ashdod","Israel"]}