Some 69,500 migrants have returned to Morocco from Ceuta for lack of food and water

More than 69,500of the migrants who have arrived in Ceuta in recent days, especially on Thursday, have returned voluntarily to Morocco, according to the Security Forces . These returns are accelerating because bars, supermarkets and other shops are practically closed and access to food and water is becoming increasingly difficult.

While the death toll continues to rise to 67, the Moroccan authorities have arrested 70 migrants in connection with several incidents.

The Spanish Government initially said that some 50,000 people had entered Ceuta illegally, while the local government raised the figure to 60,000, although it is clear that the actual number of arrivals has been higher.

Therefore, according to the sources consulted, this morning there were almost 70,000 people who had returned to Morocco, a reliable figure since it is much easier to count departures than to count entrances from various border areas.

In the last few hours, thousands of people have returned toMorocco. Among the reasons for this are the repatriation measures agreed between Spain and Morocco, but also the difficulties in meeting basic needs in Ceuta , where most bars, supermarkets and shops are closed and access to food and water has become almost impossible.

A number of migrants have explained their intention to return to Castillejos to eat, rest and regain strength and then try to cross back to Spain . Some believe that border surveillance is still insufficient and that they will have new opportunities to enter Ceuta.

Mohamed, 15, a native of Fez, says he arrived in Ceuta on Saturday and has not received food for three days. "We have dreams and a lot of talent, but Morocco does not want us there," he says. Like many other young people, he says he will return to Castillejos, regain strength and try to cross the border again, hoping to be welcomed into the Temporary Stay Center for Foreigners (CETI).

Ahmed and Youssef are from Chaoue and are 20 and 21 years old.  They say they saw on Instagram that it was easy to pass to Spain and that's why they went to the border. They deny that they were driven by the mafias and consider the reason for their decision to be unable towork in Morocco.

Ashraf, 32, from Ifran, has decided to stay in Ceuta until the number of arrivals decreases, waiting for the opportunity to find work or then move to the Peninsula. He claims that the police have asked the shops to close in order to force migrants to return to Morocco. He also accuses his compatriots living in Ceuta of not providing assistance and, in some cases, of attackingthem with "knives".

Ashraf believes that people are leaving Morocco on a massive scale because of living conditions, but what has happened is also a "political decision." "If Morocco wants, not a mosquito passes through the border," he ironically said, adding that he would not say so in his country, where he could be sentenced to "20 years in prison" for protesting.

Meanwhile, officers of the Spanish Police, the Local Police and the Army continue in various parts of the city to inform migrants in Ceuta that they must return to Morocco , mostly male Moroccans aged between 18 and 35, who travel through the neighborhoods of the city.

On the other hand, the Civil Guard and the 54th Army Regular Corps maintain a permanent device on Tarajal Beach to prevent further entry from the sea. Commercial activity is still almost completely paralysed in Ceuta; most shops remain closed due to the insecurity of neighbours following the massive influx of migrants.