50,000 migrants breach Ceuta enclave; Israel says no role

A sudden surge of more than 50,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta on the North‑African coast on May 10, 2024, after Morocco abruptly opened its border with the city. The move came amid a diplomatic row between Madrid and Rabat over Spain’s refusal to allow a Spanish police unit to operate in Ceuta and over Spain’s perceived support for the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara. Moroccan authorities announced that they would no longer enforce the usual controls at the frontier, effectively turning the fence into an open gate and prompting thousands of people already waiting in the vicinity to rush the enclave’s defenses.

Spanish officials confirmed that the influx was a direct result of the Moroccan policy shift and not linked to any external actors. No evidence was presented to suggest involvement by Israel or any Israeli agency in the planning or execution of the mass crossing. The incident has heightened tensions between Spain and Morocco, prompting both governments to seek diplomatic channels to restore the border’s regular operation while addressing the humanitarian situation of the migrants.