Spain and Israel clash over Ceuta migration surge

A diplomatic clash between Spain and Israel erupted on social media on July 31, 2026, as a severe migration crisis unfolded in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta. The public dispute, centered on accusations of hypocrisy and suggestions of foreign interference, added a new flashpoint to already strained relations between the two nations.

The crisis began on July 30, when an unprecedented surge of migrants crossed into Ceuta from neighboring Morocco. Spanish officials reported that roughly 49,000 people entered the enclave in less than 24 hours, marking one of Europe's largest single-day irregular border crossings. Video footage showed migrants swimming around border barriers, using inner tubes, and forcing their way through land crossings, overwhelming local authorities. At least nine bodies were recovered off the coast on July 30, adding to dozens of migrant deaths reported in the area in recent months.

In response, the Spanish government declared a state of emergency and deployed military units, naval and air assets, and diving teams to patrol the coastline. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned what he described as an attack on Spain's territorial integrity and vowed...