Israelis protest for release of soldier

JERUSALEM, March 13 (UPI) -- Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the home of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barack Friday to show support for the family of a captive soldier.

The demonstrators shouted "We want him home, we want him home now" as they pressed Olmert to fulfill his promise to secure the release of Gilad Shalit, The Jerusalem Post reports.

Shalit has been held captive by Hamas for 992 days.

Negotiator Ofer Dekel was expected to return to Cairo shortly to resume Egyptian-mediated negotiations for Shalit's release, the Post said.

The soldier's parents have launched an intensive campaign to sway Olmert to finalize a prisoner exchange before he leaves office.

Friday marked the sixth day since the family pitched a protest tent outside the prime minister's residence.

Despite reports about the talks advancing the Shalits haven't received any new information regarding their son, Ha'aretz reports.

Hamas has demanded the release of 450 prisoners in exchange for Shalit.