Hundreds of people gathered in Fnideq, Morocco, searching for missing relatives after a mass crossing of approximately 72,000 migrants into the Spanish territory of Ceuta, as EU ministers held emergency talks over the crisis.
Misleading social media posts on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok sparked a massive migration surge as some 72,000 Moroccans rushed to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, resulting in over 80 deaths.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has unveiled plans for a major military operation in the Channel to stop migrant boats, as the party faces separate financial investigations.
Spain's government denies ignoring CNI intelligence warnings about a massive migrant influx into Ceuta, where 72 bodies have been recovered after tens of thousands irregularly entered from Morocco.
Spain's enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, along with other territories on Africa's north coast, are a long-standing point of contention with Morocco, which claims them. Recent migrant surges into Ceuta have intensified these tensions, highlighting the complex historical and political dispute over their sovereignty.
Spanish officials reported 69,500 people returned to Morocco after an influx into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave, with 2,500 remaining. Spanish leaders and intelligence suspect Morocco encouraged or permitted the crossings, described as an attack on Spain's territorial integrity, amidst EU calls for solidarity and concerns over Russian disinformation.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledges "relentless" action on small boat crossings, advocating for safe routes and EU dialogue, following Spain's return of 98% of 50,000 migrants from Ceuta to Morocco. UK crossings are down 43% year-on-year.
At least 72 people have died following an unprecedented mass rush of over 50,000 migrants from Morocco into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta last Thursday. Spanish officials confirmed five more bodies were found, bringing the total, as health services treated over 1,000 people, though the situation has since improved.
Thousands of Moroccans, including Youssef El Abbas, crossed into Spain's Ceuta enclave after Moroccan authorities reportedly loosened border controls. The influx, which saw at least 72 deaths, has been attributed to diplomatic tensions between Spain and Morocco over Western Sahara, creating a humanitarian crisis and deepening divisions within Ceuta.
An estimated 60,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta, Spain, from Morocco, overwhelming the city and causing fear among residents. Most were returned, but many plan to try again, highlighting tragic consequences and political blame amid border militarization.
The EU will hold an urgent meeting of interior ministers to address the arrival of over 50,000 migrants in Ceuta, Spain, which has caused divisions within the bloc. Spain confirmed 67 deaths and is installing a floating barrier, while Italy criticized Spain's migration policies, though France rejected suspending Spain from Schengen.
Spain deployed 60 troops and specialized police to its North African exclave of Ceuta after thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco, overwhelming security forces. The regional government's plea for a national emergency was rejected, as Madrid focuses on reinforcing border control and coordinating with Morocco for migrant returns.
France increased its border police presence fivefold, and Italy suspended its Schengen agreement with Spain for one month, following a major migrant influx into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, where approximately 60,000 people crossed from Morocco.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering exempting rapists from early prison release, while Chancellor John Healey hinted at welfare cuts. Burnham faces revolt over North Sea drilling plans, as a migrant influx into Ceuta sparks UK border pressure and right-wing criticism.
Spain and North Africa are preparing for a rare trio of solar eclipses between August 2026 and January 2028, including two total eclipses. Astronomers and institutions are organizing observations and citizen science projects to study the sun's corona and inspire scientific interest.
France coach Didier Deschamps trusts referees despite Argentinian officials overseeing their World Cup quarter-final vs. Morocco. He dismissed concerns about a potential rematch with Argentina, focusing on the immediate challenge. The match also follows controversy over a Paraguayan senator's racist remarks towards Mbappé.
A culinary journey reveals a shared Mediterranean identity through a simple chickpea flour batter, baked or fried into various dishes like cecina, farinata, panelle, karantika, kalinti, panisse, cade, and socca, demonstrating a history that transcends modern political borders.
Sanam Vakil of Chatham House states Gulf states remain reliant on the US for security but are uneasy with Washington's 'regime change-light strategy,' urging them to diversify defense relationships and manage diplomatic tracks amid an 'uncomfortable moment' with uncertain US policy and unpredictable Iran.
The 2026 World Cup begins with the USA facing Paraguay and Canada playing Bosnia and Herzegovina. North African teams Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia also prepare for their campaigns, aiming to build on past successes and overcome historical challenges.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off with hosts USA facing Paraguay and Canada meeting Bosnia and Herzegovina. North African nations Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia also aim for strong performances, each with unique historical contexts and ambitions.
The US and Canada aim for perfect starts in the 2026 World Cup, facing Paraguay and Bosnia and Herzegovina respectively. Meanwhile, North African giants Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia prepare for unprecedented participation in the expanded tournament, each with unique historical ambitions and challenges.
Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia are set for a historic World Cup 2026 appearance, aiming to assert regional dominance. Morocco seeks to build on its 2022 success, Egypt targets its first win, Algeria aims to avenge past absences, and Tunisia hopes to break its group stage curse.
A record 8 MENA teams compete in World Cup 2026. Al Jazeera analyzes each team's chances, strengths, weaknesses, and predicts their tournament outcome.
Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo aim to make an impact at World Cup 2026, challenging North Africa's historical dominance in African football.
