Sanchez accuses Russia, Israel of Ceuta disinformation campaign

In an interview with Spain’s Cadena SER, Sanchez cited research from the European Union’s foreign service, telling the outlet that it was “evident” that both countries took advantage of the crisis, which fuelled internal unrest targeting the current Spanish government. This unrest is believed to stem from disagreements with Madrid over its stance on the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts.

He further dispelled speculation about Moroccan involvement, ruling out any responsibility on the part of the Moroccan authorities.

“After July 30 and 31, rumours and disinformation spread on social networks linked to Russia and Israel, and to an ultra-right international that always uses migration to attack both Spain and Europe and divide it,” he told the outlet live on air. 

He also confirmed that “No intelligence service with which the Spanish government normally cooperates” had indicated “any … involvement, in one way or another, of the Moroccan authorities.”

Roughly 80,000 migrants entered the North African autonomous city in late July, triggering an acute migrant crisis in the Spanish territory.

Reports indicate that around 5,000 remain, with reception centres at capacity as migrants spill into public areas. This has led to civil unrest, with locals protesting the mismanagement and disruption to the city’s services.

Sanchez also reaffirmed earlier statements from Madrid that disinformation circulated online during the influx, including through networks linked to human trafficking groups. 

Both Russia and Israeli officials have denied the allegations.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RBC on the 31st that the Russian government rejected Sanchez’ comments about Moscow’s involvement in the Ceuta migration crisis.

On X, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote that the Spanish PM “is lying shamelessly. Adding that “he lied again, surprisingly accusing Israel of spreading false information about the events in Ceuta. This is a blatant lie. Continuing to spread defamatory lies will not divert attention from Sánchez’s shameful failure in managing his country’s affairs.”

Experts have weighed in on the denials, with Disinformation expert Marc Owen Jones telling The New Arab that “certain networks” were “using Ceuta opportunistically.” 

He further said that “at the moment this particular network remains unattributed” but noted its connection to campaigns which promote anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe.

He also emphasised that these networks have previously been attributed to Russia and Israel, who have promoted the same narratives in Europe.

These include the alleged pro-Russian hacking cyberattacks that targeted Spain and NATO countries over support for Ukraine, and claims that NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware targeted ministers’ phones, which have further fuelled questions about foreign influence operations. 

As it stands, Spain, along with other European nations, continues to support sanctions against Russia and aid given to Ukraine through the European framework. Conversely, it is one of the few nations that diverges from other European nation-states’ policy by imposing measures such as an arms embargo on Israel’s genocidal war. It has also emerged as one of the most outspoken European voices in recognising Palestinian statehood.

Despite both Israel and Russia denying involvement, Spain’s unique position as the gatekeeper of Europe’s southernmost border leaves it vulnerable to retaliatory interference, with questions over foreign involvement still remaining.

The New Arab, Cadena SER, X, RBC, Maghrebi.org