AnewZ Morning Brief - 20 January, 2026

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 20th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Trump threatens 200% tariff on French wine after France rejects Gaza Board of Peace invitation

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes after France declined to join his proposed Board of Peace on Gaza. Asked about French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision, Trump said “nobody wants him because he will be out of office very soon,” adding that the tariff threat could force France to join. France said the board’s proposed powers could undermine the role of the United Nations, warning it would go beyond Gaza and raise serious concerns over the United Nation’s principles and structure.

Australia moves toward national gun buyback after Bondi Beach attack

Australia is set to pass new laws enabling a national gun buyback and stricter background checks for firearm licences following the country’s deadliest mass shooting in decades at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach last month. The bill passed the lower house on Tuesday by 96 votes to 45 and is expected to clear the Senate with support from the Greens. The measures would establish the largest gun buyback since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre and expand licence checks using intelligence data. The government said Australia held a record 4.1 million firearms last year. Conservative lawmakers opposed the bill, arguing it unfairly targets lawful gun owners, while separate legislation on hate speech offences is also under debate.

Syrian troops tighten grip as Kurdish forces withdraw

Syrian government forces expanded control across parts of northern and eastern Syria after Kurdish-led fighters withdrew under a ceasefire agreement, consolidating President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s authority. Syria’s Interior Ministry said about 120 Islamic State detainees had escaped from a prison in the eastern town of Shaddadi after it came under government control, with security forces later recapturing dozens during search operations. The withdrawal followed the Syrian Democratic Forces’ decision to leave Raqqa and Deir al-Zor, key provinces that include major oil fields, under a deal requiring Kurdish fighters to be integrated individually into Syria’s armed forces.

Spain declares national mourning after deadly train collision

Spain will hold three days of national mourning after a high-speed train collision in the southern province of Córdoba killed at least 40 people and injured around 120 others. The crash occurred near the town of Adamuz when two high-speed trains collided, with regional authorities warning the death toll could rise as dozens remain missing. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged full transparency as a formal investigation was launched, while rail services between Madrid and southern Andalusia were heavily disrupted following one of Spain’s deadliest rail accidents in decades.

Trump tells NATO chief Greenland is critical, steps up tariff threats

U.S. President Donald Trump said he told NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that Greenland was “imperative for National and World Security”, reinforcing his push to acquire the territory while escalating trade pressure on European allies. Trump said Denmark could not adequately protect Greenland and warned he would impose tariffs on countries opposing his plan, including a threatened 200% duty on French wines after France declined to join his proposed Board of Peace. European leaders rejected the approach, with Denmark and Greenland insisting the island is not for sale and European Union officials warning they are prepared to retaliate if the tariffs are imposed.

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AnewZ Morning Brief News United States France Gaza Australia Bondi Beach attack Syria Spain train crash NATO Mark Rutte