Pope Francis renewed his calls today for the release of hostages held by Hamas and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the Gaza Strip.

“I am always thinking about the grave situation in Palestine and Israel. I encourage the release of hostages and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” he said during his weekly audience.

Francis recalled that he will lead special prayers on Friday for peace in St. Peter’s Basilica, in what he said last week would be a “day of fasting, prayers, penance”.