The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has justified Morocco's unilateral decision to close the commercial customs post in Melilla, saying it as part of the bilateral agreement signed six months ago between the two countries. The ministry explained that the agreement allows for the «regulation» or «temporary suspension» of goods movement during peak periods, such as the Marhaba operation, which runs from June 15 to September 15. Although the Spanish Foreign Ministry has not issued an official statement following the closure, sources from the ministry confirmed to EFE news agency that the agreement remains in effect and that customs authorities on both sides are «working in coordination» to strike a balance between commercial transit and the movement of Moroccans residing abroad. The measure follows Morocco's recent refusal to allow entry of a truck carrying household appliances from Melilla, operated by an export company. Moroccan customs informed their Spanish counterparts via an email in French, announcing the suspension of goods movement in both directions for the duration of the Marhaba operation. On Tuesday, the president of Melilla, Juan José Imbroda, confirmed the closure, stating that «Morocco has effectively shut down the commercial crossing until further notice», without offering prior notice or explanation. In Ceuta, the local government has requested clarification from Madrid amid growing concerns that the decision could be extended to the other border crossing with Morocco.
