Pope Francis will meet next week with relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, a source told Reuters.

The source said the Vatican’s number two, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said the Holy See believed their release and a ceasefire — which Israel has so far ruled out — were two “fundamental points” to resolve the crisis.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss papal plans, told the news outlet that 12 relatives would meet the pope early on Wednesday morning before his general audience.