Spanish soldier escorts a group of migrants on their way back towards the Moroccan border, following their illegal crossing into Ceuta.
Spanish minister hits back at ‘Israeli’ UN envoy on Ceuta migrant crisis
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente responded to criticism from ‘Israeli’ UN Ambassador Danny Danon over Spain’s handling of a massive migrant influx into the North African enclave of Ceuta, escalating diplomatic tensions between Madrid and Tel Aviv.
In late July 2026, an estimated 60,000 people—mostly young men, including around 8,000 children—crossed from Morocco into Ceuta in one of the largest single-day irregular arrivals recorded on EU territory.
The surge overwhelmed local facilities, prompted Spain to declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces, and left at least 57 to 67 people dead, many from drowning or stampedes while attempting to swim or climb barriers.
Spanish officials later reported that the vast majority, around 48,000 to 50,000, had already returned to Morocco.
Danon posted on X: “Spain, which never misses an opportunity to lecture Israel, has declared a state of emergency in Ceuta following the crisis over its immigration policy. Maybe before it continues lecturing us, it’s time it explained to the world why it still maintains colonial enclaves in Africa.”
The remarks referred to Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish territories claimed by Morocco.
Puente quoted Danon’s post and replied: “Well, everything is starting to become quite clear”.
Pues empieza a estar todo bastante claro. https://t.co/8yj8juVp2B
— Óscar Puente (@oscar_puente_) July 31, 2026
The cryptic comment was widely interpreted in Spanish political circles as suggesting ‘Israeli’ involvement or exploitation of the crisis.
In a follow-up post, Puente added: “You know what? I want Spain to be a sovereign nation in an interconnected world. I don’t want it to be a branch office of Trump or Netanyahu”.
¿Sabéis qué? Yo quiero que España sea una nación soberana en un mundo interconectado. No quiero que sea una sucursal de Trump o de Netanyahu.
— Óscar Puente (@oscar_puente_) July 31, 2026
The exchange occurs against a backdrop of strained Spain-‘Israel’ relations. Spain has been among Europe’s most vocal critics of ‘Israel’s’ actions in Gaza, recognized a Palestinian state in 2024, and repeatedly called for ceasefires.
Some Spanish politicians and commentators alleged the migrant surge served as retaliation linked to Madrid’s positions on Gaza and other regional issues, though no public evidence has substantiated claims of ‘Israeli’ orchestration.
‘Israel’s’ ambassador to Spain, Dana Erlich, distanced Tel Aviv from Danon’s comments, stating they “do not represent the position of the State of Israel.”
The crisis has also drawn European reactions, including heightened border checks by France and threats from Italy regarding Schengen rules.
