In a sobering announcement made on August 3, 2026, Morocco's interior ministry reported that 11 individuals tragically lost their lives while attempting to reach Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. This figure starkly contrasts with Spain's own toll, which indicates that at least 72 people perished during the perilous journey. The incident has sparked a significant diplomatic debate within the European Union, as various member states have begun to criticize Spain's migration policies in light of the recent surge in attempts to cross into Ceuta.
According to Rachid El Khalfi, spokesperson for Morocco’s interior ministry, the unfortunate fatalities included 10 individuals who drowned, while the eleventh person fell from a rocky area. In response to the crisis, Morocco is collaborating with Spain to verify the death toll and assist in identifying the bodies discovered on Spanish soil. The ministry has attributed the sudden increase in migration attempts to the "malicious exploitation" of social media platforms, which have facilitated the dissemination of misleading information regarding the migration process. Additionally, the ministry referenced the "misinterpretations of legal provisions" stemming from a ruling made by the Spanish Supreme Court on July 8, which stated that migrants arriving by sea should not be returned as swiftly as those arriving by land.
The ministry disclosed that approximately 40,000 individuals attempted to cross into Ceuta illegally during the course of just a few days. Another 1,135 migrants also attempted to breach the borders of Melilla, further east, but were promptly returned to Morocco. Spain has reported that over 60,000 individuals successfully entered Ceuta in this recent wave of migration, although the majority have since returned to Moroccan territory. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) has raised concerns, claiming that the actual number of victims may be as high as 130, with many more individuals still unaccounted for. In light of these alarming figures, Moroccan prosecutors have initiated an official investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding these tragic events. As reported by malaymail.com.
