Spanish lawmakers have passed a resolution which would obstruct attempts by rights activists to demand Spanish courts to launch probes into war crimes.

The resolution was passed after protests by Israel over the Spanish High Court's decision to launch a probe into the massacre of 14 civilians by Israeli forces in a 2002 attack in the Gaza Strip.

The case involved seven Israeli officials, including former defense minister, Benjamin Ben-Eliezer.

Based on the motion, Spanish courts would have jurisdiction only in cases in which the accused is in Spain or the victims are Spaniards.

If the resolution changes into law, it will also block attempts by rights activists to launch an investigation into torture in the Guantanamo Bay detention center, a move opposed by the US President, Barack Obama.

The resolution, however, has drawn criticism by rights groups. "There will be fewer places a victim can turn when he does not find justice in his own country," said Reed Brody, Spokesman for Human Rights Watch. "There's no doubt that the diplomatic heavyweights were throwing their weight around".

SB/SME/RE