Late yesterday, four women and nine children arrived in Australia from Syria.

The women, who originally left the country to be part of the Islamic State caliphate, have spent the years since its collapse in Syrian refugee camps.

Many of their children, who are Australian citizens too, have never been here before.

But they aren’t the first to come back – since 2019, women and children like them have been returning.

What they’re returning to has become more and more hostile, with politicians maintaining they aren’t welcome, and police threatening arrest.

Today, Professor Michele Grossman, expert on violent extremism from Deakin University, on our responsibility to these citizens and the danger of politicising their position.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

And special credit for the audio of Australian children inside al-Roj refugee camp goes to William Christou and the Guardian.

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Guest: Expert on violent extremism from Deakin University, Professor Michele Grossman

Photo: AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad

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A flotilla of boats carrying aid towards Gaza was still hundreds of kilometres from the coast when the Israeli navy moved in.

Australian activist Zack Schofield was on one of the 50 boats. He says the first sign something was coming was the sound of drones overhead; then radio warnings, military vessels, and soldiers boarding the ship.

What happened next is now the subject of serious allegations and competing accounts.

Today, Zack Schofield on the interception at sea, what he says happened in Israeli custody, and why the flotilla may still try to reach Gaza.

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Guest: Australian activist, Zach Schofield

Photo: Supplied

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The Reserve Bank has raised interest rates again. The cash rate is now 4.35%, after the third rate hike in a row.

For Australians already stretched by the cost of living, it means another hit to mortgage repayments, rents and household budgets.

And while the decision was widely expected, the reason behind it is more complicated. Some economists are calling it the “Hormuz hike”, a response to global oil prices, the war in Iran and fears inflation could skyrocket.

Today, economist and co-CEO of the Australia Institute, Dr Richard Denniss, on why the Reserve Bank is making Australians pay more to contain inflation, and the risk that it goes too far.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: Economist and Co-CEO of the Australia Institute, Dr Richard Denniss

Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewin

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