Israel's Ben-Gvir mocks Spain's Sánchez over Ceuta migrant surge

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir posted an ironic message on social media congratulating Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for his "deep commitment to immigration and human diversity" and daring him to "grant refuge" to any Gaza residents who wish to emigrate. The comment came as the Spanish enclave of Ceuta faced a massive influx of migrants, with the city’s mayor Juan Jesús Vivas reporting roughly 60,000 people entering from Morocco since Thursday. The surge prompted several EU member states to call for Spain’s temporary suspension from the Schengen area. Spanish officials said about 35,000 of those who arrived illegally have already returned to Morocco voluntarily, and they linked the wave to human‑trafficking networks exploiting a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that bars immediate returns of people who reach Spanish territory by sea. Ben‑Gvir, a hard‑line figure who advocates the destruction of Gaza and the expulsion of its Palestinian population, has repeatedly criticized Sánchez since 2023 over Spain’s stance on the Gaza conflict and its calls for EU sanctions against Israel.