Spain checks arrivals from Italy as Ceuta row splits Schengen

What happened

• Italy suspended Schengen for third-country nationals arriving from Spain on 1 August, and says it will hold that at least until 15 August.
• Spain's checks at ports and airports run until 7 September, verifying identity, nationality, visas and residence permits.
• About 72,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30 and 31 July; most later returned.
• Death tolls differ: at least 77 (Le Monde), more than 80 (AP), drowned or trampled at a breakwater.
• Spain sent about 2,000 troops and 300 riot police to Ceuta after new online calls to cross.

The view from outside

FAZ reports that many in Ceuta blame Morocco, the United States and Israel, while tracing the surge to social media rumours about a Spanish Supreme Court ruling on deportations; a German public broadcaster correspondent drew criticism for amplifying that theory. Telesur stresses the debate over militarised migration control and warnings by human rights groups that deterrence raises the danger for those crossing.

What could happen next

• Whether Rome lifts its controls after 15 August is open; Meloni rejected Madrid's 9 August deadline.
• EU commissioner Brunner says both interior ministers called the checks temporary; no Commission enforcement step has been announced.
• Spain says its troops remain in Ceuta indefinitely, pending new interior ministry instructions.
• Posts naming 15 August, traced to Fnideq, point to another crossing attempt; participation is unconfirmed.