<b>In A Closer Look, </b><i><b>The National</b></i><b> provides an in-depth take on one of the main stories of the week</b> Three European countries formally recognised the state of <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/palestine/" target="_blank">Palestine</a> on Tuesday in a symbolic move meant to show a way out of the war in the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/middle-east/" target="_blank">Middle East</a>. Ireland warned Israel that it must not keep blaming civilian suffering on “tragic mistakes”, as the European nation joined Spain and Norway in making good on a recognition pledge last week. The decision, signed off at cabinet meetings on Tuesday, is Europe's most significant step to revive a two-state solution after almost eight months of war in <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/gaza/" target="_blank">Gaza</a>. But will this change anything on the ground? Here, host Sarah Forster talks to The National's opinion editor, Sulaiman Hakemy, about the immediate and long-term effects of more countries formally recognising the State of Palestine. <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2024/05/29/palestine-state-norway-ireland-spain-recognise/" target="_blank">European recognition of Palestine state sparks concerns of economic fallout with Israel</a> <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/europe/2024/05/22/norway-spain-and-ireland-recognise-palestine-what-happens-next/" target="_blank">Norway, Spain and Ireland recognise Palestine. What happens next?</a>
