Gustavo Petro blames Netanyahu for Ceuta migration crisis

Colombian President Gustavo Petro used his X account to accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being responsible for the recent migration surge in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Petro claimed Netanyahu was “paying poor Muslims to migrate to Spain” and linked the episode to Israel’s war in Gaza and alleged financing of a Colombian election fraud campaign. He offered no evidence for the allegation.

The crisis began on Thursday when tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, a city of 84,000 residents. Official estimates place the number of arrivals above 50,000, with 71 deaths reported. Spanish security forces and a bilateral agreement with Morocco have led to the repatriation of most migrants, with police figures indicating roughly 73,500 have returned to Morocco.

Petro’s statements came days before the end of his term and echo his broader criticism of Israel, which he has repeatedly described as committing genocide in Gaza. The remarks have drawn attention to the intersecting migration, diplomatic and political tensions involving Colombia, Israel, Spain and Morocco.