Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 17th of November, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Ukraine secures gas imports from Greece, as Zelenskyy meets Greek Prime Minister
Ukraine has secured U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Greece to help cover its winter energy needs from December until March 2026. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made the announcement on Sunday (16 November).
The deal, signed between Greek gas company DEPA and Ukraine’s Naftogaz during Zelenskyy’s visit to Athens, marks a key step in Kyiv’s efforts to stabilise energy supplies after Russian strikes damaged domestic production facilities.
2. China warns citizens against travel to Japan after Takaichi's Taiwan comments
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan, citing “significant risks” to their safety and worsening bilateral ties following recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan.
State broadcaster CCTV reported on Monday (November 17) that the advisory comes after Takaichi said in parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan — comments that prompted a strong diplomatic protest from Beijing.
3. Trump urges U.S. House Republicans to vote to release Epstein files
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on congressional Republicans to vote for the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, saying the party has “nothing to hide.” In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday (November 16), Trump wrote, “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide. And it’s time to move on from this Democrat hoax perpetrated by radical left lunatics.”
His comments followed House Speaker Mike Johnson’s statement that releasing Justice Department documents could help dispel allegations linking Trump to Epstein’s crimes.
4. More than 70 schools in Australia closed over asbestos fears
More than 70 schools in Australia were shut on Monday (November 17) after asbestos was detected in children’s play sand, prompting nationwide recalls and urgent clean-ups. Tremolite and chrysotile asbestos were found in colourful sand products supplied by Educational Colours, triggering an ACCC recall. Kmart and Target later recalled sandcastle kits and “magic sand” sets.
Dozens of ACT schools and preschools, along with one in Brisbane, closed for assessment and removal of the contaminated products. Authorities said the sand was “widespread across ACT public schools.” Asbestos is banned in Australia and New Zealand due to its links to several cancers. Cleanup efforts are ongoing.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, have said the Strait...
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has said his country could provide a “safe corridor” and “alternative route” for regional ...
An average of at least 47 women and girls were killed each day during the war in Gaza, according to new figures released by UN Women....
A remarkable discovery at the ancient ruins of Sanxingdui offers a glimpse into what appears to be otherworldly craftsmanship - an axe believed to ...
China is seeking to strengthen and upgrade its cooperation with Turkmenistan, focusing on what officials describe as “high-quality developmen...
An average of at least 47 women and girls were killed each day during the war in Gaza, according to new figures released by UN Women.
A remarkable discovery at the ancient ruins of Sanxingdui offers a glimpse into what appears to be otherworldly craftsmanship - an axe believed to have been made using material from a meteorite.
China is seeking to strengthen and upgrade its cooperation with Turkmenistan, focusing on what officials describe as “high-quality development” across a range of sectors.
Kazakhstan plans to boost trade with Afghanistan from $500 million to $3 billion, backed by infrastructure and transit projects designed to strengthen regional connectivity and improve access to global markets.
The past 24 hours of the Russia-Ukraine war have seen a drastic escalation in both aerial bombardment and frontline losses.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, have said the Strait of Hormuz is now “completely open” to all commercial shipping for the remainder of the ceasefire period. Araghchi links the move to the ceasefire in Lebanon.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that there was a "good chance" of a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel happening soon, after he announced a 10-day ceasefire between the two countries.
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 April), warning European countries against plans to step up UAV supplies to Kyiv.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Israeli and Lebanese leaders have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire that includes Hezbollah, raising cautious hopes of a pause in hostilities after weeks of escalating tensions.
European leaders have set out plans for a coordinated defensive mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once security conditions allow, following talks involving more than 40 countries.
NeaNearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea off Myanmar in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record, the United Nations Refugee Agency said on Friday.
Tens of thousands of people filled a stadium in Douala on Friday, hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo during what is expected to be the largest event of his African tour.
AmerAmerican businesses are preparing for a major moment next week as the U.S. government launches a long-awaited system to return billions in unlawfully collected tariffs.
More than half of Haiti’s population is facing acute food insecurity, prompting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to warn that recent progress in tackling hunger remains fragile and could quickly be reversed without urgent support.
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