Egypt Retains Suez Canal After Allied Military Invasion
Egypt maintained sovereignty over the Suez Canal after a coordinated invasion by Britain, France, and Israel ended under international pressure.
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal Company on July 26, 1956, to use the annual $100 million income to fund the Aswan High Dam. This move prompted a coordinated military response from Britain, France, and Israel.
Israeli forces entered the Sinai desert on October 29, followed by Anglo-French bombing campaigns against Egyptian military targets on October 31. The conflict escalated as Allied troops advanced from Port Said, but the offensive faced intense pressure from the international community and the United States.
Britain and France accepted a United Nations-mandated ceasefire on November 6, and the United Nations deployed an emergency force of peacekeepers on November 7 to halt the fighting. Egypt ultimately retained ownership and sovereignty of the canal, which reopened to shipping in April 1957.
The crisis caused significant political strain for British Prime Minister Anthony Eden. He faced domestic controversy and critical coverage by the Manchester Guardian, which he attempted to suppress.
