Spain Accuses Russian, Israeli Networks of Spreading Falsehoods on Migration

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has accused Russian and Israeli networks of disseminating false information that he claims contributed to the mass influx of tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in late July. Speaking on the Spanish radio program "Hoy por Hoy," Sánchez stated that an investigation into the causes of the crisis is ongoing, but a key factor was the deliberate distortion of a Spanish Supreme Court ruling.

According to Sánchez, social media platforms spread misinformation suggesting that individuals crossing into Ceuta by sea would not be immediately returned to Morocco. He emphasized that this was a "false interpretation" of the ruling, amplified by "criminal organizations" and networks linked to Russia and Israel. Sánchez asserted that these networks "distorted the ruling and created the impression that if a person entered, for example by swimming, into the autonomous city of Ceuta, they could not be returned across the border. This is not true."

Sánchez further linked the disinformation campaign to an "international far-right" aiming to divide Europe. He did not specify which Israeli networks were allegedly involved or provide public evidence, nor did he claim direct involvement by the Israeli or Russian governments. The Prime Minister noted that the false narrative was exploited and spread via social media.

In parallel, Sánchez dismissed any involvement by Moroccan authorities in organizing the migrant surge, stating that Rabat had cooperated with Madrid from the outset of the crisis. He confirmed continuous contact between the two governments and the initiation of Moroccan authorities' operations on July 31. Intelligence services have raised no doubts about Moroccan official involvement, he added.

Sánchez reported that over 90% of the migrants who entered Ceuta on July 30 and 31 have already returned to Morocco. Approximately 5,000 migrants, including about 1,200 unaccompanied minors, remain in Ceuta without legal status. The Spanish government plans to expand reception facilities in the city to accommodate around 6,000 people.