Spain has rejected Morocco’s renewed claim to sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, underscoring a territorial dispute that could complicate their otherwise improved relations. Morocco’s justice minister said Rabat continues to raise the enclaves’ status in negotiations and wants a solution through dialogue. Madrid responded that the cities are unquestionably Spanish territory, with Defense Minister Margarita Robles warning that any attack on them would be considered an attack on Spain. The dispute resurfaced after a July border crisis in Ceuta, when an estimated 72,000 migrants crossed briefly and at least 96 people died. Despite the dispute, both countries continue to cooperate on managing migration and repatriating migrants. Nevertheless, the standoff highlights how fragile bilateral cooperation remains despite shared interests in managing migration.