Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 17th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Trump orders blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a "total and complete blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, designating the Maduro regime a "Foreign Terrorist Organization" in a major escalation of pressure. While the specifics of enforcement remain unclear, the move targets the government's primary revenue source and has already pushed crude oil prices higher, drawing fierce condemnation from Caracas which views the action as a "grotesque threat" aimed at destabilising the country.
Australia charges alleged Bondi Beach gunman with 59 offences
Australian police have charged a man with 59 offences, including a terror charge, following the deadliest mass shooting in more than 30 years at a Jewish Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach on Sunday. The attack, believed to be inspired by Islamic State, resulted in the deaths of 15 people, the suspect's father, and left the alleged gunman hospitalised. The incident has sparked national outrage, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to pledge stricter gun laws and a crackdown on rising antisemitism.
Trump expands travel ban to seven more nations
President Trump has expanded the U.S. travel ban to include citizens from seven additional countries, including Syria and holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents, bringing the total number of restricted nations to 39. The White House cited severe deficiencies in security screening and information-sharing as justification for the measure, which is set to take effect on 1 January and has drawn sharp criticism despite the administration's insistence that it is necessary for national security.
Eurovision host Austria will not block Palestinian flags
Austria’s public broadcaster ORF, host of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, has announced it will not suppress Palestinian flags or audience dissent during Israel’s performance, breaking with previous practices of masking negative crowd reactions. Broadcaster executives emphasised a commitment to presenting events authentically, even as the contest faces a significant boycott from five nations protesting Israel’s participation amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
International Claims Commission launched for Ukraine reparations
European Union and Ukrainian leaders have officially launched an International Claims Commission in The Hague, endorsed by 35 nations, to process compensation claims for the hundreds of billions of dollars in damage caused by Russia’s invasion. While the mechanism aims to hold Moscow accountable—potentially using frozen Russian assets—legal debates over financing continue, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserting that every war crime must carry financial consequences.
Kremlin rejects Christmas ceasefire proposal
The Kremlin has firmly rejected proposals for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov staying that Moscow is uninterested in a ceasefire that might allow Kyiv to regroup. Although Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Western allies supported the holiday pause, Russia insists that any cessation of hostilities must be contingent upon reaching a broader, comprehensive peace agreement rather than a short-term measure.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the immediate declassification of intelligence related to the 2020 presidential election on Thursday, alleging t...
The Israeli army has begun setting up a new line of permanent military posts in southern Lebanon, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Maariv, a...
Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem and withdraw the country's intervention in th...
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the immediate declassification of intelligence related to the 2020 presidential election on Thursday, alleging that China carried out what he described as the largest compromise of election data in U.S. history.
The Israeli army has begun setting up a new line of permanent military posts in southern Lebanon, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Maariv, a move that could complicate ongoing efforts to implement a US-backed withdrawal framework.
Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem and withdraw the country's intervention in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case brought by South Africa against Israel, signalling a major shift in Bogotá's foreign policy.
The U.S. military announced that it has completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets under U.S. President Donald Trump's orders. The operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites across multiple locations.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade on all Iranian ports and warned that power plants and bridges could be targeted next week unless Tehran returns to negotiations.
The U.S. military announced that it has completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets under U.S. President Donald Trump's orders. The operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites across multiple locations.
The death toll from the fire at a live music pub in Bangkok has climbed to 32 after two more victims died from their injuries, according to Thailand's Police Hospital.
Ukraine and Russia exchanged fresh attacks on Tuesday, with Kyiv targeting shipping and energy infrastructure inside Russia while Moscow launched another large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukrainian cities.
India's investigation into last year's Air India crash that killed 260 people has entered its final stages, with investigators completing a transcript of the cockpit voice recorder and carrying out a psychological autopsy as they work towards a final report.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the immediate declassification of intelligence related to the 2020 presidential election on Thursday, alleging that China carried out what he described as the largest compromise of election data in U.S. history.
The Israeli army has begun setting up a new line of permanent military posts in southern Lebanon, according to a report by Israeli newspaper Maariv, a move that could complicate ongoing efforts to implement a US-backed withdrawal framework.
Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has announced plans to open an embassy in Jerusalem and withdraw the country's intervention in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case brought by South Africa against Israel, signalling a major shift in Bogotá's foreign policy.
The Trump administration is pressing ahead with new immigration rules that will impose fixed time limits on visas for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists, tightening requirements for thousands of people who study and work in the U.S.
Keir Starmer has reaffirmed that the UK's "unwavering" support for Ukraine will continue, during his final visit to the country as Prime Minister.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment