The Suez Crisis unfolded from July to November 1956, precipitated by Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser's decision to nationalize the Suez Canal, which had been controlled by British and French interests since its opening in 1869. The canal was crucial for maritime trade, particularly for transporting oil from the Persian Gulf to Europe. In response to Nasser's actions, the United Kingdom and France formed an alliance with Israel, which sought to invade Egypt as a means to restore Western control over the canal. Following the invasion of the Sinai Peninsula by Israeli forces on October 29, 1956, the UK and France issued an ultimatum to both Egypt and Israel, demanding a ceasefire and withdrawal from the area. When Nasser refused, the UK and France launched airstrikes on Egyptian military positions starting on October 31, aiming to dismantle Egyptian resistance and secure the canal’s reopening.

The military operations were carried out in conjunction with naval and ground movements, showcasing the Anglo-French military capabilities of the era. However, the intervention was met with significant international backlash, particularly from the United States and the Soviet Union. The US, under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, opposed the actions, favoring diplomatic negotiations over military intervention and threatening economic repercussions against the UK and France. The conflict escalated tensions during the Cold War, revealing the declining influence of European powers in global affairs. Ultimately, under mounting pressure, the UK and France agreed to a ceasefire in early November, leading to a withdrawal of their forces and the establishment of an United Nations peacekeeping operation in the region.