A Western Sydney doctor says a newly formed 'brains trust' is quietly developing fresh plans to bring Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State back from a Syrian detention camp. Dr Jamal Rifi, who travelled to Damascus in February with 35 passports in an unsuccessful extraction attempt, insists efforts to repatriate the 11 women and 23 children are continuing despite regional instability and the collapse of the initial mission.

The families remain held in the al-Roj camp in northeastern Syria under harsh conditions. Dr Rifi, currently in Lebanon, said the group has devised multiple strategies with varying levels of risk, prioritising the safety of the women and children. He continues to provide remote medical advice to those inside the camp as conditions deteriorate.

The federal government has ruled out involvement in any repatriation effort, stating that individuals may return to Australia by their own means but will not receive official assistance. The stance has sparked political debate, with critics warning of national security risks and urging the government to take control of the situation.

For now, the families remain stranded as conflict in the region intensifies and logistical barriers complicate any extraction, leaving their fate uncertain amid ongoing political divisions in Australia.