More than 25 migrants have voluntarily returned to Morocco after around 60 people crossed the border into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in just 24 hours, Spanish authorities announced.
According to the president of Ceuta, Juan Jesis Vivas, at least 43 people have died during the crossing. The large influx of migrants came after Spain's Supreme Court ruled that migrants stopped at sea while trying to reach Ceuta or the other Spanish enclave, Melilla, cannot be immediately returned to Morocco.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the situation as an "attack" on the country's borders and declared that all migrants who have entered illegally will be returned to Morocco "as soon as possible."
The crisis has also sparked reactions in Europe, where some leaders have expressed concern and promised measures to strengthen border controls.
The British prime minister and the French president have also offered support to Spain in managing the situation.
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Over 48 migrants who crossed into Ceuta have returned to Morocco
Ceuta, located on the northern coast of Morocco and separated from mainland Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar, has for years been one of the main entry points for migrants aiming to reach Europe.
The president of Ceuta described the situation as "unsustainable", noting that the number of new arrivals makes up around 70 percent of the city's population, which is estimated at around 83.600 inhabitants.
