United States and Arab mediators have made significant progress toward brokering a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, with officials saying negotiations are "closer than ever" though several hurdles remain, Israeli media reported on January 13.

As the negotiating continued into the night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone security consultation on the hostage deal with senior Israeli delegation officials in Qatar. 

Israeli political sources have revealed details of the emerging agreement, which would see the release of 33 hostages in an initial "humanitarian" phase. While Hamas has not confirmed how many are alive, Israeli officials believe the majority survive. The group would include women, children, those over 50, and the wounded. None of the 33 have been officially declared deceased, though Israeli sources express "grave concern" for some.

Under the proposed agreement, Israel would not commit to ending the war and could resume fighting after the first phase. Negotiations for a second phase to release all remaining hostages would begin on day 16, with Israel insisting there should be no third phase.

The Israel Defence Forces would maintain positions in a buffer zone along Gaza's border throughout the agreement period, with a gradual withdrawal from other areas during the ceasefire. Special security arrangements would be implemented along the Philadelphi Corridor, with Israeli forces initially remaining before partially withdrawing.

Palestinian civilians would be allowed to return to northern Gaza under security measures preventing armed individuals and weapons transfers. The deal also includes provisions for significant humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.

Netanyahu met with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir late on January 13 to discuss the deal, which Ben-Gvir is expected to oppose. The agreement could destabilise Netanyahu's coalition, though opposition parties have promised support for a hostage release.

The framework includes a prisoner exchange component, with the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released dependent on how many living hostages Hamas frees. While some convicted of murder would be released, they would not be returned to the West Bank, and no October 7 attack participants would be included.

Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Hamas representatives and United States envoys in Doha, while also speaking with President Joe Biden who stressed the urgency of reaching a deal before leaving office next week.

The talks have gained momentum with United States President-elect Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff joining negotiations. Officials say the next 24 hours will be crucial, with mediators aiming to secure an agreement before Trump's January 20 inauguration.

Israeli officials said they are maintaining significant leverage for future negotiations, including both geographic assets and prisoners who will not be released until all hostages return home.