Today is October 29. It was on this day in 1956 that Israel launched an assault on Egypt, igniting what became known as the Suez Crisis. The Israeli forces moved towards the Suez Canal, with several motivations fueling the conflict. Israel was not alone in this endeavor.
Marching towards the Suez Canal, the Israeli forces joined the French and British armies. Together, they launched a combined assault on Egypt. The catalyst for this attack was Egyptian leader General Gamal Abdel Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal in July 1956.
Source: aajtak
Tensions Mounting Over the Years
Situations had been brewing for some time. Two years prior, Egypt began putting pressure on the British to cease their military presence in the canal region, previously allowed under the 1936 Anglo-Egyptian Treaty. Nasser's armed forces engaged in sporadic skirmishes with Israeli troops along the borders of both nations.
Soviet Support for Egypt
Nasser was receiving arms and financial aid from the Soviet Union. Concurrently, the United States reneged on its promise to fund the construction of the Aswan Dam on the Nile. This led to Nasser's discontent and his orders to seize and nationalize the Suez Canal.
Source: aajtak
Angering Britain and France
Egypt’s actions angered the British, who sought to reclaim control of the canal through a military offensive. France, believing Nasser supported insurgents in its Algerian colony, sought backing from Britain and Israel.
Israel's Initial Strike
Israel took the initiative and launched the first strike, only to be surprised when British and French forces did not immediately follow. Instead of a swift assault, the attack faltered. The United Nations quickly stepped in, calling for a ceasefire.
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Resolution through U.S. Intervention
The Soviet Union began threatening to intervene on behalf of Egypt, which escalated the situation to a dangerous potential flashpoint. However, the United States issued stern warnings to the Soviet Union to refrain from involvement. Simultaneously, the U.S. exerted pressure on the British, French, and Israeli governments to withdraw their troops.
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Notable Events
On October 29, 1863, the International Red Cross Society was approved during a meeting of 27 nations in Geneva.
On October 29, 1923, the Republic of Turkey was established following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.
On October 29, 1945, the world's first ballpoint pen went on sale.
On October 29, 1958, the United States conducted a nuclear test in Nevada.
