Aug 1, 2026 – 8.29amLondon | The stampede of an estimated 60,000 migrants from Morocco into a Spanish enclave is the gravest migration crisis to confront Europe since German chancellor Angela Merkel’s misguided act of compassion to allow a million Syrians to resettle in her country just over a decade ago.A dire humanitarian situation appears to have been avoided, with reports about 50,000 of them have returned voluntarily a day after swimming or crossing the border fence to enter Ceuta, a Spanish territory in north Africa. Many turned around after being unable to find food, shelter or the work or onward passage to Spain they had hoped for. According to The New York Times, some claimed they had been encouraged by messages on social media. At least 57 people died.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles