Ceuta nears calm, but tensions linger

Ceuta: Most of the 60,000 migrants who entered Spain’s North African exclave of Ceuta this week had returned to Morocco by Sunday, while authorities continued a search for bodies in nearby waters. At least 72 migrants died, including some who drowned and others killed in a stampede while crossing a breakwater barrier, Spanish authorities said.

The arrival of 50-60,000 people on Thursday and Friday had increased the city’s population of 84,000 by more than half and reignited Euro­pe’s immigration debate. Sho­ps reopened and normal acti­vity resumed over the weekend, but tensions persisted. Far-right politicians visiting Ceuta called for the remaining migrants to be expelled, triggering counterprotests.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal blamed the Spanish government for the surge and described it as an “invasion”.

Pope Leo XIV said he was following the situation “with concern” and called for peace, stability and justice.

Hunger, hostility drive migrants back 

Migrants who entered Ceuta returned to Morocco, saying hunger, exhaustion and hostility had dashed their hopes of reaching Europe. Many said social media videos encouraged them to cross, but they found no route to mainland Spain. Some complained of food shortages and hostility from residents, reports said.

EU Interior Ministers to meet on Tuesday 

A meeting of EU Interior Ministers on the migrant crisis has been convened for Tues­day. The meeting was reques­ted in a letter signed by 22 EU countries, led by Italy and Denmark, but without France and Portugal.

—Agencies