Israel‑Spain diplomatic row over Ceuta migrant emergency

Israeli UN ambassador Danny Danon used the social‑media platform X to denounce Spain’s decision to declare a state of emergency in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, accusing Madrid of “colonial” policies and suggesting the crisis was being used to pressure Israel. In response, Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente replied with a terse comment that “things are becoming very clear.”

The dispute has drawn in other Spanish politicians, including Gabriel Rufián of ERC, who alleged that the United States and Israel were behind the massive migrant influx. Israel’s ambassador in Spain, Dana Erlich, publicly distanced herself from Danon’s remarks. Spanish authorities reported that roughly 50 000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, with about 48 000 subsequently returning to Morocco and 57 bodies recovered after deaths in the crowd.

The episode reflects heightened tensions between Israel and Spain following the Gaza conflict that began in October 2023, and it has sparked broader debate over migration policy and geopolitical influence in the Western Mediterranean.