United Nations Emergency Force

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== United Nations Emergency Force ==

The United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) was established by the United Nations General Assembly to secure an end to the Suez Crisis in 1956. It was the first ever armed peacekeeping mission of the United Nations and was deployed in the Sinai Peninsula to supervise the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of the United Kingdom, France, and Israel from Egyptian territory.

Background

The Suez Crisis, also known as the Second Arab-Israeli War, erupted in 1956 when Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, previously controlled by British and French companies. In response, the United Kingdom, France, and Israel launched a military intervention. The crisis prompted a strong international reaction, leading to the involvement of the United Nations.

Establishment

UNEF was established by the United Nations General Assembly on November 7, 1956, through Resolution 1001 (ES-I). The force was tasked with ensuring the cessation of hostilities, supervising the withdrawal of invading forces, and serving as a buffer between the belligerents.

Deployment

The first contingent of UNEF arrived in the region in November 1956. The force was composed of troops from various countries, including Canada, Brazil, India, Norway, and Yugoslavia. The deployment of UNEF marked a significant development in the concept of peacekeeping and the role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security.

Operations

UNEF's primary mission was to supervise the withdrawal of British, French, and Israeli forces from Egyptian territory. The force also monitored the armistice lines and facilitated the return of normalcy in the region. UNEF remained in the Sinai Peninsula until 1967, when it was withdrawn at the request of the Egyptian government prior to the outbreak of the Six-Day War.

Legacy

The success of UNEF in the Suez Crisis set a precedent for future United Nations peacekeeping missions. It demonstrated the potential of international cooperation in resolving conflicts and maintaining peace. The principles and practices developed during UNEF's deployment have influenced subsequent peacekeeping operations.

Related Pages

• United Nations
• Suez Crisis
• Peacekeeping
• Six-Day War
• United Nations General Assembly
• Sinai Peninsula