18 more bodies for the cemetery of the anonymous: the burials of migrants who died at the entrance to Ceuta begin

The Spanish government announced Monday that it will activate four new spaces in Ceuta to accommodate up to 1,500 migrants following a mass influx into the city two weeks earlier. The announcement was made by Elma Saiz, Spain’s minister for Migration and Inclusion, during a press conference at the regional government office in Ceuta. These facilities, which include state-owned locations such as the hippodrome, the former cavalry football field, and El Guano space, along with a privately owned parking lot in Loma Colmenar, aim to provide shelter for those still living in the open, many of whom have been staying in makeshift shelters along the beach of Trampolón. The decision comes 18 days after approximately 80,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta via maritime routes from Morocco, overwhelming local resources and infrastructure. The government has allocated nearly €6.5 million to enhance support services, including medical care and social assistance, for the affected population. The Red Cross has already distributed around 4,000 daily food packages, hygiene products, and provided over 4,000 medical consultations since the crisis began. However, officials have not disclosed how many of the 1,500 available spots have been filled yet. The move follows growing tensions between the national government and Ceuta's local authorities. Juan Jesús Vivas, the president of Ceuta, criticized the central government for its perceived inaction and warned he would take legal action against Madrid for its handling of the migrant crisis. Vivas accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of failing to respond adequately to the situation, emphasizing the need for collaboration among administrative bodies. Meanwhile, Saiz reiterated the importance of institutional cooperation in restoring normalcy and acknowledged the efforts of local community groups and associations assisting with the humanitarian response. Health concerns have also intensified amid the crisis. Enrique Roviralta, president of the Medical Association of Ceuta, warned of a potential epidemic due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. He described the situation as a "time bomb," highlighting the risk of disease outbreaks given the strain on healthcare resources. Despite this, Health Minister Mónica García denied reports of a collapsed healthcare system during her visit to Ceuta. She stated that while there had been a surge in demand, the system had managed to maintain regular healthcare services for residents without overloading hospitals or exhausting available resources. Meanwhile, the human toll of the crisis continues to mount. At the Muslim cemetery in Ceuta, located in the Sidi Embarek neighborhood, 18 additional bodies were buried Friday, bringing the total number of unidentified migrant deaths to 5,430. The burials took place under hot and humid conditions, with volunteers preparing graves in advance. Each body was placed in a disposable suit, mask, and even gas masks before being transported to their final resting place. The process included Islamic prayers led by an imam, followed by the placement of chemical powder and bricks to seal each grave. The identities of these individuals remain unknown, as Moroccan authorities have refused to accept the repatriation of deceased migrants, leaving them to be interred anonymously in Ceuta. Local residents expressed mixed emotions about the ongoing crisis. Some voiced frustration over the lack of resolution, while others offered support to those affected. The presence of makeshift shelters along the coastline and the increasing number of burials underscore the severity of the situation. With no immediate end in sight, the government faces mounting pressure to address both the humanitarian and logistical challenges posed by the continued arrival of migrants seeking entry into Spain through Ceuta.