Qatar has expressed intent to suspend its efforts to mediate in ceasefire talks between Israel and the Islamic group Hamas.

Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, has been trying to broker a deal on a ceasefire in Gaza and a release of hostages held in the enclave. But the talks have been deadlocked.

The spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry issued a statement on Saturday, saying that "Qatar notified the parties 10 days ago during the last attempts to reach an agreement, that it would stall its efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel if an agreement was not reached in that round."

The spokesperson also said that "Qatar will resume those efforts when the parties show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war."

A Biden administration official revealed on Friday that the US has asked Qatar to have Hamas move its office in the Qatari capital Doha out of the country.

In the statement, the Qatari spokesperson said the main goal of the Hamas office is to be a channel of communication between the parties.

He stressed that this channel has contributed to that end, and said some media reports that Qatar asked Hamas to move the office were inaccurate.

Concerns are growing that Qatar's withdrawal could inevitably impact negotiations between the two warring sides.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continued its attacks in Gaza on Saturday.

Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera says 40 people were killed in Gaza City, Beit Lahia in northern Gaza and elsewhere.