Spain has installed a 500-metre-long sea barrier along the maritime border between its North African enclave of Ceuta and neighbouring Morocco following one of the largest migrant crossings in recent years. The move comes after an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta over Thursday and Friday, triggering a humanitarian crisis and intensifying the debate over migration policy across Europe. Spanish authorities said at least 67 migrants died during the incident, with some drowning while others were killed in a stampede as crowds attempted to cross a breakwater barrier.

The unprecedented influx prompted Spain to strengthen security along the frontier and deploy additional armed forces and police personnel in Ceuta. While many migrants have since returned to Morocco, Spanish officials said efforts are continuing to restore order and prevent further mass crossings. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said Spain would act firmly against illegal border crossings but emphasised that Morocco remains a key partner in managing migration. He added that close cooperation between the two countries helped bring the situation under control within 24 hours.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticised calls from some European political leaders to suspend Spain from the Schengen border-free travel area, describing such proposals as being driven by prejudice, misinformation and political interests. Although Ceuta itself is not part of the Schengen zone, the incident has renewed concerns among several European Union member states about border security and migration management. A group of EU countries has called for an emergency meeting of interior ministers to coordinate a common response to the crisis and strengthen protection of the bloc's external borders.

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The humanitarian situation remained severe as hundreds of migrants began making their way back to Morocco. Many reported spending days without food or shelter, sleeping in forests around Ceuta and struggling to access assistance. Others said deteriorating conditions on the Spanish side of the border prompted their decision to return voluntarily. On the Moroccan side, authorities used water cannons, tear gas and warning shots to disperse crowds attempting to reach Ceuta, while security forces continued efforts to prevent additional crossings.

Ceuta, a Spanish territory on the northern coast of Africa bordering Morocco, has long served as one of Europe's key migration entry points due to its strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar. Migrants often attempt the dangerous journey by swimming several kilometres from the Moroccan town of Fnideq or by scaling border barriers. The latest mass crossing has once again highlighted the humanitarian and political challenges surrounding irregular migration, with both Spain and the European Union facing renewed pressure to balance border security with humanitarian responsibilities while preventing further loss of life.

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