Hundreds of Israelis call for captured soldier to be freed

HUNDREDS of Israelis have gathered in Jerusalem to call for the government to step up efforts to free Sergeant Gilad Shalit, a soldier captured by militants in 2006.

The protesters joined Sgt Shalit’s parents, who are staying in a tent near the house of outgoing prime minister, Ehud Olmert.

They want their son freed as part of a prisoner swap with the Palestinians.