Thousands of people have protested in cities across Spain over the government's handling of the influx of migrants to the Spanish exclave of Ceuta on the north African coast, with large crowds gathering in the capital Madrid. The protests are part of a wider crisis that has been unfolding since at least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, with many still remaining in makeshift camps or scattered across the city's streets or on the beach.

The situation in Ceuta has been described as "unprecedented" The government, however, claims that right-wing parties are exploiting the crisis for political gain. On Wednesday, a police report revealed that Moroccan security forces showed "total permissiveness" during the influx, days after Sánchez insisted Morocco was not responsible for the mass crossing.

Least 72,000 migrants crossed morocco

At least 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, with many still remaining in the city. The situation has led to near-daily protests across Spain, with opposition parties accusing Sánchez of failing to address the crisis.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal described Sánchez as "at the service, like a lackey, of the Moroccan regime," while PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo claimed that a Spanish city had been "invaded, occupied and unfortunately, this happened with the knowledge of the Government of Spain."

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Protesters in Ceuta have also expressed their concerns about the situation on the ground. A 45-year-old teacher, David Hernandez, told Reuters that the response from the government has been "inadequate, late and, to top it all, has involved a complete dereliction of duty on the part of the government." He added, "We cannot be second-class citizens, and our border must not be sidelined." The situation in Ceuta has also led to reports of sexual assaults happening almost every day, with prosecutors saying that the issue is being ignored.

The crisis in Ceuta has also raised questions about Morocco's role in the influx. Morocco has a long-standing claim over Ceuta and its fellow autonomous city of Melilla, which have been a flashpoint in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Spanish media has reported that social media posts appeared before July 30, encouraging people to attempt the crossing, after a June ruling The police report also cited migrants who spoke of a "passive attitude" from Moroccan security forces during the crossings, although it did not categorically accuse Morocco of being behind the influx.

Pressure on Sánchez's government has intensified in recent days, with Spanish media saying that the report submitted The report claimed that the Moroccan police deployment around the border was "clearly smaller than usual" and cited migrants who spoke of a "passive attitude" as the crossings happened.

Spanish fact-checking website Maldita said before July 30, when the influx began, messages circulated on Moroccan social media encouraging people to attempt the crossing. The situation in Ceuta has also led to reports of dozens of migrants being detained

Sánchez has blamed trafficking gangs and online misinformation for encouraging people to cross the border, but Morocco has denied orchestrating or being involved in the mass crossing. The Prime Minister's comments have been criticized As the situation in Ceuta continues to unfold, protesters remain on the streets, demanding action from the government.

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The influx of migrants into Ceuta has also raised questions about the safety and security of the border fence. At least 100 people have died while trying to swim around the border fence, according to figures from the mayor. Spanish media has reported that social media posts appeared before July 30, portraying the border fence as safe and easy.

Thousands of migrants are still in Ceuta weeks after more than 70,000 people crossed the border. The situation remains a crisis for Sánchez's government, with protesters calling for action to be taken to address the issue. The Prime Minister's response has been criticized

The protests in Madrid and Ceuta are part of a wider movement that is demanding action from the government. The situation in Ceuta remains a pressing issue, with many still waiting for answers about what will happen next. As the crisis continues to unfold, protesters remain on the streets, demanding justice and action from the government.

The influx of migrants into Ceuta has also raised questions about the role of social media in spreading misinformation. Spanish fact-checking website Maldita said before July 30 that messages circulated on Moroccan social media encouraging people to attempt the crossing after a June ruling