Italy extends Schengen suspension with Spain for two more weeks

Italian media have reported that the Italian government will continue suspending part of its Schengen free-movement agreement with Spain for at least another 15 days. The decision was taken amid tensions linked to the migrant crisis in the city of Ceuta.

Italy had already suspended implementation of part of the agreement for one month from July 31. Rome said the move was prompted by the large influx of migrants into Ceuta, Spain’s territory in North Africa.

Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, previously said at a news conference that the migrant crisis from Morocco began with a media campaign by Israeli accounts. He also said pressure from Europe’s right-wing parties on Spain was connected to his government’s stance against the Gaza genocide.

According to Sanchez, information released by the European Commission shows that Israeli parties were involved in the migrant crisis. He asked whether the move was carried out in response to Spain’s position on Gaza.

Ceuta, a Spanish-administered city in North Africa bordering Morocco, saw a large influx of migrants late last month. Spain’s interior ministry said that around 72,000 people have entered the city since then, most of whom have been sent back to Morocco.