Ouahbi asserts Morocco's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla remains 'on the table,' sparks backlash in Spain

Morocco's Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi emphasized on Tuesday that the sovereignty issue over Ceuta and Melilla remains on the table for Morocco and that Rabat continues to bring it up whenever it meets with the Spanish side.

"We are still holding on to our land," Ouahbi stressed during an interview with Asharq News, noting that Morocco is handling the issue with patience and seeks to resolve it through dialogue.

His remarks drew strong reactions from Spanish media and social media users, who described the issue as one of the most sensitive points in Morocco-Spain relations.

Spanish news outlet ElNacional.ca said "what is significant is the timing and way Ouahbi's remarks were expressed," rather than Morocco's position itself, noting that in just two days, the minister has raised three key Morocco-Spain issues, namely Moroccan minors in Spain, immigration control, and the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla.

The outlet noted that the series of statements appears to be part of a broader political strategy, rather than just a series of interviews.

Meanwhile, Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the Moroccan justice minister's remarks had no bearing whatsoever, according to Europa Press.

The outlet reported that Marlaska avoided getting involved in the controversy and instead praised Morocco's cooperation on migration control, stressing that the kingdom is a reliable partner for both Spain and the European Union.

Spanish news outlet El Independiente claimed that Ouahbi's statement could reinforce the theory that "Rabat may have allowed or encouraged misinformation about migrants being welcomed in Spain to reinforce the idea that the status quo over Ceuta cannot be maintained."

It said, "Moroccan lobbyists have succeeded in establishing this view among some prominent MAGA figures, including former Pentagon official and researcher Michael Rubin, who called on Trump in March to recognize Ceuta and Melilla as occupied Moroccan territories."

The reactions to the Moroccan justice minister's remarks were even stronger on social media.

One Spain-based X user described Ouahbi's latest statements to Asharq News as "completely unacceptable and intolerable."

Another X account criticized the Spanish government, saying it was willing to negotiate a new status for Ceuta and Melilla and even hand them over to Morocco, while millions of Spaniards would continue voting for the PSOE.

Ouhbi's remarks came following the late-July crisis, when thousands of Moroccans crossed into the occupied city of Ceuta, overwhelming border security forces and leaving dozens of people dead in the waters surrounding the enclave.