Morocco on Thursday rejected claims it organized the mass unauthorized entry of migrants into Ceuta. The foreign ministry cited strong ties after King Mohammed VI met Pedro Sanchez in April 2022, labeled the late July events unfortunate, and demanded an investigation to prevent a repeat.

People’s Party and Vox politicians have blamed Morocco, echoing a police finding that Moroccan agents coordinated the crossings. A poll days before that finding showed nine in ten Spaniards assigned blame to Morocco, while Sanchez said the charges lack firm support and called the arrivals people trying to better their circumstances.

The ministry asked why return of migrants and unaccompanied minors has not occurred despite Moroccan pledges, placing responsibility on Spanish officials, and accused Spanish politicians, media, and institutions of using the episode for internal politics.