Over 60,000 migrants have entered Ceuta in just a few hours, according to Spanish authorities, with more than 25,000 already repatriated back to Morocco. At least 43 bodies were recovered from the waters near the enclave, marking one of the deadliest crossings in recent months. The crisis has sparked tensions between Spain and Italy, with Madrid accusing Rome of using migration issues to advance political agendas. Meanwhile, European Union officials have reiterated that there are no flows into Europe from Ceuta, and Schengen controls remain active. The situation escalated rapidly, with reports indicating that thousands of migrants attempted to cross the border both by land and sea. The influx was described as unprecedented, with some estimates suggesting over 60,000 individuals had entered the city within a short period. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta, calling the situation an attack on Spanish sovereignty. He emphasized that the crisis is not linked to the regularization of 500,000 migrants, which he claims is being exploited by organized crime groups. According to Sánchez, the recent Supreme Court ruling that bans the rejection of migrants arriving by sea has been misused by these groups to facilitate human trafficking. Italian leaders, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, had previously suggested suspending Schengen agreements with Spain to manage the crisis. However, Madrid has strongly rejected this notion, stating that the current situation is unrelated to Italian immigration policies. Instead, the Spanish government attributes the surge in arrivals to a deliberate strategy by criminal organizations exploiting legal loopholes. This stance has led to diplomatic friction, with Italian diplomats summoned to Spain as a result of the disagreement. Authorities in Ceuta have reported that the number of deceased migrants has risen sharply. As of the latest update, 43 bodies have been retrieved from the Mediterranean Sea near the enclave, bringing the total death toll to 73 since the beginning of the year. These figures highlight the dangers faced by those attempting to cross illegally, often under perilous conditions. Local police have also noted that over 30 individuals have been arrested during clashes along the border, underscoring the heightened security measures in place. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the scenes witnessed in Ceuta, describing them as unacceptable. She called for swift repatriation efforts and urged member states to maintain strict control over borders. The EU has confirmed that there are no reported flows from Ceuta into other EU countries, reaffirming the effectiveness of Schengen protocols. Despite this, the crisis continues to strain relations between Spain and its neighbors, particularly Italy, with concerns over the potential suspension of Schengen freedoms. Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities have taken steps to address the situation, working closely with Spanish officials to ensure the safe return of unauthorized migrants. Over 30 individuals have been detained in connection with border-related incidents, reflecting the growing unrest. The Moroccan government has expressed willingness to cooperate fully, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional stability. Both nations continue to coordinate closely, aiming to restore order while respecting international law and humanitarian principles. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on managing the immediate crisis while addressing underlying causes. Spanish officials stress the need for legal reforms to close gaps exploited by criminal networks, while European partners offer support through shared resources and intelligence. With the number of migrants entering Ceuta continuing to rise, the challenge for all parties involved will be to balance security, legality, and compassion in the face of ongoing uncertainty.
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