Hundreds in Morocco gather near Ceuta border in anxious wait for missing loved ones
People hope to see friends or relatives among those still returning as death toll from mass crossing nears 100
TL;DR
- Hundreds gathered in Fnideq, Morocco, near the Ceuta border, searching for missing loved ones who crossed into the Spanish territory.
- At least 88 people have died in Ceuta and 11 in Morocco, with dozens still missing.
- An estimated 70,000 people who arrived in Ceuta have been returned to Morocco.
- Concerns are raised by NGOs about the return of individuals eligible for international protection without due process.
- Spanish authorities estimate 2,000 people remain in Ceuta, including at least 862 unaccompanied children.
- Accusations are directed at Morocco for potentially orchestrating or permitting the mass crossing, which Rabat denies, citing law enforcement limitations and misinformation.
- Spanish intelligence suggests a social media hoax related to a court ruling fueled the influx.
- Families are anxiously waiting, with some sharing hopeful stories of successful reunions.