Around 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco within 24 hours, creating what local authorities described as an unsustainable humanitarian and security crisis. At least 34 people died during the crossings, while Spain’s prime minister condemned the breach as a violation of the country’s territorial integrity and blamed people smugglers.

The number of arrivals was equivalent to about 70% of Ceuta’s usual population, leaving thousands of people, including unaccompanied children, sleeping outdoors. Migrants crossed mainly by swimming, despite Moroccan security forces using tear gas, water cannons and warning shots; some deaths were reportedly caused by drowning and others by a stampede near the Tarajal beach border fence. Some migrants also began returning to Morocco, while others cited unemployment and lack of opportunity as reasons for attempting the journey.