Obama Makes Call to 'Lower Tensions' After Jerusalem Terror Attack

President Barack Obama called for restraint from both sides after two Palestinians attacked a Jerusalem synagogue, leaving four dead, including three dual U.S.-Israeli citizens.

"Tragically, this is not the first loss of life we have seen in recent months. Too many Israelis have died, too many Palestinians have died," Obama told reporters Tuesday. "At this difficult time, I think it is important for both the Palestinians and Israelis to try to work together to lower tensions and to reject violence. Today’s outrageous acts represent the kind of extremism that threatens to bring a spiral from which is it very difficult to emerge. This violence can get worse over time. We have to remind ourselves that the overwhelming majority of Israelis and Palestinians want peace."

Obama said Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas strongly condemned the attack.

"Our hearts go out to the families who are obviously experiencing enormous grief right now," Obama said.