Palestinian prez Abbas condemns Jerusalem synagogue attack

Jerusalem: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday condemned the deadly attack at a synagogue here earlier in the day but at the same time called for an end to what he described as Israeli "provocation" over the Temple Mount, which houses the Al-Aqsa mosque.

"The Presidency condemns the attack on Jewish worshippers in their place of prayer, and condemned the killing of civilians no matter who is responsible," a statement from Abbas' office said.

"We condemn all acts of violence from all sources, and demand an end to the invasions of Al-Aqsa mosque, the provocations of settlers and the incitement by some ministers in the Israeli government," the release added.

The Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam.

Two Palestinians wielding axes, knives and guns, killed at least four Israeli worshippers in a Jewish synagogue and a seminary and injured another eight, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow a "harsh response" to the murders.

Netanyahu and some of his cabinet colleagues had earlier alleged incitement by Abbas and Islamist militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, as being responsible for such attacks.