Qatar’s most powerful people have arrived in New York to show their support for the Palestinian statehood bid and take part in the 66th United Nations General Assembly.

Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani (also the foreign minister), Deputy Premier and Chief of the Emiri Diwan Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah and a high-level official delegation have all made the trek for what is arguably one of the most important UN meetings to the Arab world.

The United States, which is part of the 15-member Security Council that must support the bid to make it happen, has said it would veto any efforts by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas to apply for statehood.

But no veto could stop the UN General Assembly from giving the Palestinians enhanced observer member status.