57 Migrants Who Broke Through Ceuta Spain Died, the Government is Slow to Respond

JAKARTA - A total of 57 people were killed after nearly 60,000 people crossed from Morocco to the Spanish territory of Ceuta.

As reported by ABC News, Saturday, August 1, the Guardia Civil and the Spanish maritime rescue agency stated that an autopsy would be carried out to determine the cause of death.

The action of breaking through the border was recorded in a dramatic video. Many people who crossed into Ceuta did so by swimming. A similar crossing event occurred in 2021.

Morocco is located across the Strait of Gibraltar. Authorities say at least 48,000 people have returned to Morocco, although the border situation is still out of control.

Shops in Ceuta remain closed and 80,000 residents must remain in their homes.

Juan Jesús Vivas, President of Ceuta, told Spanish media that the government was late in reacting. Meanwhile, the Spanish government stated that diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco remained "very good."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government was "fully committed to providing an immediate response to the situation in Ceuta" in a post on X on Thursday night.

"We are deploying all the necessary resources, working with Moroccan and international authorities, and preparing the necessary measures to restore normal conditions as soon as possible," Sánchez wrote.