Protest to free Israeli soldier grows

JERUSALEM, March 14 (UPI) -- A group of military reservists say they've joined the family of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in stepping up pressure for his release.

The reservists have signed a petition demanding the Israel government finalize negotiations with Hamas to free Shalit, who has been held since June 2006, The Jerusalem Post reported Saturday.

The petition is to be presented to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at the Israeli cabinet's weekly meeting Sunday, the Post reported.

The reservists' action is part of growing support for Shalit's family, who last week set up a tent outside Olmert's home in Jerusalem and vowed to stay until Israel secures Shalit's release.

"Olmert, you made a promise -- now keep it!" demonstrators chanted Friday, blowing whistles aimed at carrying the sound to Olmert's living room.

Ofer Dekel, Olmert's negotiator, is expected to return to Cairo shortly to resume negotiations with Hamas, which has demanded the release of 1,400 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Shalit, including 450 involved in terrorist attacks that killed Israelis, the Post reported.

Israel reportedly has agreed to the Hamas' terms, Haaretz reported Friday, though no official word has been forthcoming.