Qatar’s health sector has handled more than 26 injuries since the beginning of Iran’s attacks on the country, Sheikh Khalifa confirmed.
Qatar’s security situation has remained stable despite Iran’s attacks on the country while its food and water supply remain secure, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) assured.
“Regarding the recent developments in the region, I would like to reassure everyone that the security situation in the country is stable. First thanks to God, then the protectors of the homeland in the skies of Qatar[…]under the directives of His Highness the Amir [Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani],” Sheikh Khalifa told Qatar Television on Friday.
Sheikh Khalifa’s televised interview is his first since Iran launched series of attacks on Qatar and other Gulf states beginning February 28 under its war with Israel and the United States. The Qatari official affirmed that the safety of Qatar’s residents “is a red line and a top priority”.
Asked about the country’s preparedness to handle such developments, Sheikh Khalifa said the country had been working continuously over the past five years to prepare for such circumstances.
As an example, the Qatari official pointed to the Watan Exercise, an annual national emergency-readiness drill that brings together military, security and civilian agencies to strengthen coordination.
The exercise led to the implementation of the National Warning System, which the public was trained to use. The system proved effective during the recent Iranian attacks on Qatar, warning residents of potential threats and notifying them when the situation had been resolved.
“The sound of the system may be disturbing to some, but its primary purpose is to protect the community and raise awareness of the procedures that must be followed in such situations,” he said.
Sheikh Khalifa also highlighted the National Command Centre’s role, saying it is “one of the key pillars” of Qatar’s command and control system, operating around the clock to monitor the overall situation through advanced systems.
The central operations room also handled more than 5,000 reports, including several ones related to debris, which exceeded 600 locations across different areas of the country, according to Sheikh Khalifa.
More than 26 injuries handled
Qatar’s health sector has handled more than 26 injuries since the beginning of Iran’s attacks on the country, Sheikh Khalifa confirmed.
“The health coverage plans have been implemented in accordance with the previously approved procedures to ensure the continuity of healthcare services for the community and to deal with the injured, whose number has so far exceeded 26 cases,” he said.
He added that Qatar’s strategic essential medicine reserves have also been maintained at levels sufficient for nine months. This is in addition to a stockpile of medical supplies sufficient for 12 months.
Food and water security
Some of the most pressing matters raised in the interview included Qatar’s food and water security in such times. Responding to the questions on the matter, Sheikh Khalifa assured that the country has sufficient reserves.
“Previously, the [food] reserve was sufficient for nine months, but work has been done to increase it to cover the needs for 18 months. And praise be to God, we have not had to use these reserves so far. Rather, we continue to support and strengthen them on an ongoing basis,” he confirmed.
The Qatari minister also noted that the country has “a strategic water reserve sufficient for several months, amounting to around four months of consumption”.
“On the contrary, the relevant authorities continue to work on strengthening this reserve and increasing storage capacity as part of the national water security plans, which ensures the continued availability and sustainability of water,” he explained.
Environmental indicators
With the environmental factors being another matter of priority in such situations, Sheikh Khalifa assured that the air quality and seawater conditions are regularly monitored.
“This was clearly demonstrated following the incident involving the targeting of a fuel tank in the Industrial City, when the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change took the necessary measures and confirmed that the air and the marine environment were free of any pollution,” he said.
Supporting stranded passengers
The regional developments took a toll on aviation, disrupting flights across the region. The situation prompted Qatar to temporarily close its airspace until further notice.
Sheikh Khalifa said Qatar secured the return of citizens and residents stranded abroad through various entry points, including the Abu Samra Crossing while departures were arranged for stranded visitors, which exceeded 7,000 passengers.
Qatar implemented a limited number of flights through various safety corridors to ensure travellers return home safely.
Continuation of remote work
Qatar has implemented remote work since the beginning of the regional escalations as a precautionary measure to protect the residents. Sheikh Khalifa said the system continues to remain in pace for now.
“We will continue operating under the same system while closely monitoring the situation and its developments. Each authority is working within its respective area of responsibility, and the public will be informed of any developments in due course through official channels,” he said.
Concluding the interview, Sheikh Khalifa had a message for Qatar’s residents and citizens, appreciating their cooperation with authorities.
“The most important message, honestly, is to our people—citizens and residents—whose awareness, cooperation, and adherence to the instructions and guidelines we highly commend. They have been and continue to be an essential partner in protecting the nation,” Sheikh Khalifa said.
“This is not unusual for them, honestly. In every crisis we have faced, we have always seen this awareness, cooperation, and honourable stance alongside the security authorities,” he added.
