Ankara: The Italian foreign minister on Friday reiterated calls on Israeli authorities to guarantee religious freedom after an Israeli extremist assaulted a French nun in Jerusalem, saying a picture of growing hostility against the Christian community was emerging in the region. According to Anadolu Agency, Antonio Tajani, the Italian foreign minister, emphasized the increasing hostility towards Christians, not only in Israel but also in Gaza, the West Bank, and Southern Lebanon. Tajani's statements were made on the social media platform X, following the arrest of a 36-year-old Israeli man who allegedly attacked the French nun in East Jerusalem. The Israeli police have described the incident as "racially motivated." The Italian minister reiterated the need for the Israeli government to ensure the protection of religious freedoms and the presence of Christian communities in the region. This call comes amidst a backdrop of rising assaults on Muslim and Christian clergy and holy sites in Jerusalem over recent years. Church leaders in Jerusalem have consistently urged Israeli authorities to take decisive action to curb these attacks. Last month, a video surfaced showing an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to damage a statue of Jesus Christ, further fueling tensions. Tajani condemned the act as "shameful," asserting that the desecration of religious symbols demonstrates weakness rather than strength.