BEIJING, Nov. 20 -- China on Thursday strongly condemned the attack on a synagogue in West Jerusalem, which killed five and injured many more, calling on both Israeli and Palestinian sides to show restraint and avoid escalating tension.

"Peaceful dialogue is the only right way to settle the problem between Israel and Palestine," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei at a regular press briefing.

"We hope the two sides will meet each other halfway, and resume peace talks as soon as possible to realize common security and long-lasting peace," he said.

Violence in response to violence is a vicious circle of hatred, he added.

In Tuesday's attack, two Palestinian men armed with a gun, knives and meat cleavers killed four rabbis before being shot dead. A police officer died later after suffering severe injuries.

Tuesday's attack is the latest incident in a recent chain of events in Jerusalem, as tensions between Jews and Arabs mount.