Morocco revives Ceuta and Melilla claims during religious ceremony

Ceuta Melilla Morocco Spain territorial sovereignty

Moroccan Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq has renewed Morocco's claims to the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. During a religious ceremony celebrating Eid al-Mawlid at the Royal Palace in Rabat, Toufiq addressed the monarch, King Mohammed VI, and other high-ranking officials, including the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Toufiq utilized historical and religious arguments to support the claims, citing Islamic scholars born in Ceuta before the city came under Spanish rule in 1580. He specifically referenced the works of scholars such as Qadi Ayyad and Abu al-Abbas al-Zafi, as well as the Imam Al-Jazuli, whose writings have historically been used as symbols of resistance against Iberian presence in the region.

The remarks follow recent statements by Morocco's Justice Minister, Abdellatif Ouahbi, regarding historical and geographical rights over the territories. In response, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has asserted that there is no room to question Spanish sovereignty over the cities.

Entities

Ahmed Toufiq · Ceuta · Melilla · Mohammed VI · Morocco · Morocco

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] The remarks were made during the Eid al-Mawlid celebration at the Royal Palace in Rabat. www.diariodejerez.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · elfarodeceuta.es · www.elcatalan.es · www.elmundo.es · +2 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The minister cited historical Islamic scholars from Ceuta to support Moroccan claims. www.diariodejerez.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · www.elcatalan.es · elfarodeceuta.es · elfarodemelilla.es · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The minister referenced the work of Imam Al-Jazuli as a symbol of resistance against Iberian occupation. www.diariodejerez.es · elfarodeceuta.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · elfarodemelilla.es · euroweeklynews.com
[● 7 SOURCES] Moroccan Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq referenced the liberation of Ceuta and Melilla during a religious ceremony. www.diariodejerez.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · elfarodeceuta.es · www.elcatalan.es · www.elmundo.es · +2 more
[● 7 SOURCES] The ceremony was presided over by King Mohammed VI. www.diariodejerez.es · www.eldiadecordoba.es · elfarodeceuta.es · www.elcatalan.es · www.elmundo.es · +2 more