Spain’s prime minister blames Israel, Russia for disinformation around Ceuta border crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused Israel and Russia of spreading disinformation following a significant influx of over 72,000 migrants into Ceuta, a Spanish exclave, between July 30 and 31. Sánchez claimed these countries organized internet campaigns to undermine Spain's government, stating, “After July 30th and 31st, there was an expansion of these hoaxes and this disinformation by social networks associated with both Russia and Israel.” He attributed their motivation to Spain's stance on the Gaza conflict and the invasion of Ukraine. An EU spokesperson confirmed Russia attempted to "exploit the crisis online" but found no conclusive evidence that foreign state actors triggered the crisis itself. Both Israel and Russia denied the accusations, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar calling Sánchez's statements "shamelessly lying."