50,000 cross from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta, dozens died

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Spain is scrambling to contain a major border crisis after around 50,000 people crossed into its North African territory of Ceuta from Morocco, leaving dozens dead and triggering political reactions across Europe.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the mass crossing as "a violation of Spain's territorial sovereignty" during a visit to Ceuta. Authorities said 57 bodies had been recovered on the Spanish side of the border, while additional casualties were feared in Morocco.

Spain's Interior Ministry said about half of those who entered Ceuta on Thursday had returned by Friday. The influx, which exceeded half of the city's normal population, occurred by both land and sea, with migrants seen swimming around border barriers and crossing through land gates.

Spanish authorities deployed military personnel to reinforce security in Ceuta, while security forces also clashed with migrants on the Moroccan side of the border.

Most of those who died are believed to have drowned, while others were killed in a stampede, according to humanitarian activists. The majority of those crossing were young men, although families with women and children were also among them.

The mass crossing prompted reactions across Europe. France announced increased checks along its border with Spain, while Italy temporarily suspended passport-free travel arrangements for flights arriving from Spain.

Spanish authorities linked the surge in crossings to a recent Supreme Court ruling on the treatment of migrants arriving by sea, although some activists questioned whether the decision had influenced those attempting the journey.

Spain said it is continuing efforts to restore order in Ceuta while investigating the circumstances behind the unprecedented border crossing.