Writer Amos Oz wins Spanish prize

Amos Oz co-founded the Israeli Peace Now movement

Israeli writer Amos Oz has been awarded Spain's prestigious Prince of Asturias prize for literature.

Oz, who has written 18 novels as well as many essays, is a staunch campaigner for peace in the Middle East.

In its citation, the prize judges said Oz had "contributed to turning the Hebrew language into a brilliant literary instrument".

Earlier this year, the Prince of Asturias arts award was given to US singer Bob Dylan.

'Unhappy families'

Among Oz's most famous works are My Michael, A Tale of Love and Darkness and How to Cure a Fanatic, which have all been translated into many languages.

Speaking about his award, he said: "If I have to say in one word what my entire literary work is all about, I would say families.

"If I had two words, I would say unhappy families. If I had more than two words, you would have to read my works."

Each winner of an Asturias award receives $67,000 (£33,480), with the prizes handed out at a ceremony in Oviedo in October.