Local authorities reported on August 2 that the death toll of Moroccans attempting to reach Ceuta has risen to 94.
A newborn was among the victims. Spanish Ministry of Justice officials are now coordinating efforts to identify the deceased and arrange their transportation back to Morocco.
Faten Ben Amar El Azizi, a 20-year-old football player from the Moroccan Maghreb Athletic club, died during the recent migration surge in Ceuta. Her team announced on August 1 that she had not sought adventure but rather a better life when deciding to migrate. Tens of thousands of Moroccans have entered Spain; over 70,000 have been deported following Madrid’s deployment of military and police forces who used tear gas against the arrivals.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Morocco have both faced criticism for the incident. Western intelligence sources allege that Rabat supported the situation because Spain concluded a gas deal with Algeria.
