Approximately 49,000 migrants entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco in a single 24-hour period, according to official estimates. Videos depicted thousands of people swimming into the territory, with crossings reportedly continuing overnight.
Officials stated that at least 18 people have died in recent days while attempting to reach Ceuta. The influx is significant, with the estimated number of arrivals potentially exceeding half of Ceuta's current population of about 83,600 people.
Among those who crossed illegally into the territory, officials reported that at least 7,000 are minors. The surge follows a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or the other Spanish enclave of Melilla cannot be immediately returned to Morocco.