Poland condemns Jerusalem synagogue slaughter

Emergency personnel remove blood from the scene of an attack at a synagogue in a religious area of Jerusalem, 18 November 2014. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

''Poland condemns all acts of violence which could permanently block the Middle East peace talks,'' a statement released by the ministry affirmed.

''We call on the Palestinian side... to refrain from further attacks.''

Two young Palestinian men entered the house of worship on Tuesday morning, carrying guns and meat cleavers.

Of the four murdered rabbis, three had joint US citizenship, and one had dual British citizenship.

Police stormed the synagogue, and the two assailants were shot dead.

However, one officer died later from injuries sustained in the clash.

Israel’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, said that Israel would "settle the score with every terrorist", adding that ''we are in a battle over Jerusalem, our eternal capital."

He ordered the homes of the attackers to be annihilated.

Poland has appealed for restraint on both sides.

''We trust that both parties in the conflict will make all necessary efforts to deescalate violence,'' Poland's foreign ministry stressed. (nh)