Why Ceuta was in the news?

Why in News?
Ceuta, a Spanish autonomous city in North Africa, came into the news after thousands of migrants attempted to cross into the territory from Morocco, with reports of deaths during the attempt. Spain deployed military personnel to reinforce the border and restore order.

About Ceuta:

• Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city located on the northern coast of Africa, bordering Morocco.
• Along with Melilla, it constitutes one of the European Union’s only land borders with Africa.
• Ceuta lies near the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Africa from mainland Spain.
• The territory has been under Spanish possession since 1580 and has a mixed population of Christians and Muslims, along with Spanish and Moroccan residents and day workers.
• Morocco does not recognise Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla and considers them territories under occupation.
• Ceuta and Melilla are strategically important because of their location at the gateway between Europe and Africa and are heavily fortified to control irregular migration.
• The two territories have frequently been at the centre of Spain–Morocco diplomatic tensions.
• In May 2021, Morocco relaxed border controls, resulting in around 8,000 people entering Ceuta within two days, including Moroccan and sub-Saharan migrants.
• Ceuta is also an important point in the broader European migration crisis, as migrants seek to enter Europe through Spain for economic opportunities or to escape conflict and instability.

CLICK HERE: UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED WEEKLY TEST (ENG & HINDI)

CLICK HERE FOR GS TIMES PRAHAR UPSC GS MAINS TEST SERIES 

CLICK HERE: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS)