Australian MP Ms Albanese accuses Israel of using its military campaign in Gaza to test new weapons and surveillance technologies, stating it is employing lethal drones and other unmanned technology to exterminate a population without restraint. She names over 40 companies that support Israeli settlements and military operations in Gaza, saying they have reaped near-record profits by supplying advanced weaponry to Israel, enabling it to drop massive amounts of explosives on the territory, six times the power of Hiroshima.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025/07/03/israel-responsible-for-one-of-the-cruellest-genocides-in-modern-history-says-un-expert/ASEAN does not require an amendment to its charter for Papua New Guinea's membership due to the region's definition being geographically flexible, with Indonesia and PNG being neighboring countries. President Prabowo Subianto endorsed PNG's accession during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, citing a stronger ASEAN as crucial amid geopolitical uncertainty. However, ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn suggests a more cautious approach to respond to the proposal.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/363841/asean-may-weigh-papua-new-guinea-accession-bid-soon-ri?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightThe forum will include ASEAN member countries, dialogue partners such as China and the US, and sectoral partners like Turkey and Switzerland. Other participating countries include Bangladesh, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Uruguay, Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim, and Indonesia, which is expected to help in Myanmar peace mediation.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2024405/asean-to-discuss-timor-leste-papua-new-guinea-memberships-in-malaysia-meetingsDutch intelligence agencies have gathered evidence of widespread Russian use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, including chloropicrin, which was first used by Germany during World War I. Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and head of the Dutch Military Intelligence Agency (MIVD), Peter Reesink, confirmed that Russia is intensifying its use of chemical weapons, making it a normalized and widespread practice. The US had previously accused Russia of using chloropicrin in May last year, while Ukraine alleges thousands of instances of Russian chemical weapon use.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/russian-use-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine-widespread-dutch-defence-minister-says-5220351Dutch and German intelligence agencies have gathered evidence of widespread Russian use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, including the deployment of drones to disperse choking agents from trenches, forcing soldiers to evacuate before being targeted by gunfire. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans is calling for tougher sanctions against Moscow, stating that Russia is intensifying its use of chemical weapons.
https://nypost.com/2025/07/04/world-news/russia-accused-of-increased-use-of-chemical-weapons-in-ukraine-dutch-and-german-officials/Germany is considering acquiring more Patriot air defence systems from the US to support Ukraine, amid increased Russian aerial strikes. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius confirmed that "more intensive discussions" are taking place on this matter. The US has stopped delivering vital arms supplies to Ukraine, including Patriot anti-missile systems, which have been hit by Russian attacks. Germany had approached the US about a deal to purchase and deliver the systems to Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeking at least 10 Patriot systems to defend against Russian attacks.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/germany-eyes-us-weapon-systems-to-ramp-up-air-defence-support-for-ukraine-13903180.htmlAnushka Saxena, a China researcher at the Takshashila Institution, emphasizes India's involvement in Brics and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to prevent these institutions from becoming tools for China. In Brics, India aims to establish principled guidelines to counter China's influence, promote consensus-building, and maintain the group's image as a community of developing market economies with greater global governance voice. Similarly, in the SCO, India plays a crucial role as a disruptor to balance the narrative that these groups are anti-West, acting as a bridge between the West and other member countries.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/brics-bigger-than-g7-expansion-boosts-global-clout-but-trump-china-pose-challenge-13903013.htmlThe Netherlands is urging international cooperation to limit Russia's participation in the OPCW council due to concerns over its alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. Dutch intelligence agencies have found evidence of intensified Russian chemical weapons production, including increased research capabilities and scientist recruitment for development. The European Commission has proposed listing 15 additional entities and individuals under sanctions for suspected chemical weapon use, which could lead to further restrictions on Russia's involvement in international bodies like the OPCW.
https://www.asiaone.com/world/russian-use-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine-widespread-dutch-defence-minister-saysMoscow launched a record number of drones and missiles at Ukraine in June as direct peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow stalled, prompting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga to express outrage over Russian President Putin's actions. The US has reduced some military aid deliveries to Ukraine, fueling concerns about the country's ability to fend off the attacks.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/07/05/world/americas-emea/russia-launches-biggest-ever-assault-on-ukraine/2143824