NZ Jewish Council condemns attacks

French soldiers patrol the Gare du Nord railway station, in Paris. Photo / AP

The New Zealand Jewish Council released a statement in which it 'unequivocally condemned' the terrorist attacks in Paris and extended its 'utmost sympathy and condolences to the families of those who were murdered and injured'.

Geoff Levy, Chairman, New Zealand Jewish Council, said: "Not only does this vile and cowardly terrorist attack represent an attempt at stifling freedom of speech but it is also yet another painful example of the murderous results of unchecked anti-Semitism.

"These shocking events present us with yet another timely reminder of the urgent requirement for the global community to stand up against Islamic fundamentalist terrorism, as it presents an existential threat to the western world and the values that we hold so dearly," he added.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group says Islamic extremists have insulted Islam and the Prophet Muhammad more than those who published satirical cartoons mocking the religion.

Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah did not directly mention the Paris attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo that left 12 people dead, but he said Islamic extremists who behead and slaughter people - a reference to the IS group's rampages in Iraq and Syria - have done more harm to Islam than anyone else in history.

Nasrallah spoke Friday via video link to supporters gathered in southern Beirut.

Nasrallah's Shiite group is fighting in Syria alongside President Bashar Assad.

His remarks are in stark contrast to those of Sunni militants from the IS group and al-Qaida who have called for attacks on Western countries.

US warns of global threat after French attacks

The United States has warned Americans to beware of "terrorist actions and violence" all over the world, following the attacks on the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish supermarket in Paris.

"Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that US citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," the State Department said. The advisory is an update to its "Worldwide Caution" from October 10, 2014 and comes after three days of bloodshed in France that started on Wednesday when heavily armed Islamist gunmen burst into the offices of Charlie Hebdo and killed 12 people.

Four people were then killed Friday at a Jewish supermarket in Paris.

The State Department statement said that US-led coalition bombing raids on the radical Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria made US nationals and interests a target for reprisals, "especially in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Asia.

- additional reporting by AFP