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Which countries invaded Egypt during the Suez Crisis?
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Suez Canal
Ships in the Suez Canal in Egypt. One of the world's most important shipping lanes, the Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
During the 1956 Suez Crisis, three countries invaded Egypt:
- Israel: On October 29, 1956, Israeli forces invaded the Sinai Peninsula and advanced toward the Suez Canal.12
- Britain and France: Following a secret agreement with Israel, these two nations intervened militarily in early November 1956. They landed forces at Port Said and Port Fuad, ostensibly to enforce a cease-fire and regain control of the canal zone.12
The military action was prompted by Gamal Abdel Nasser's nationalization of the canal, which threatened British and French economic interests and regional influence.12