Israel and Hamas initiated a four-day ceasefire beginning on Friday. During this period, the militants are scheduled to release 13 Israeli women and child hostages later in the day, and aid is expected to enter the besieged Gaza enclave. This marks the first temporary halt in the nearly seven-week-long conflict, Al-Arabiya reported.

The truce began at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT), involving a omprehensive ceasefire in north and south Gaza, and was to be followed by the release of some of the more than 200 hostages taken by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack inside Israel, mediators in Qatar said. A number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons were to be freed in exchange.

As of Monday, authorities in Gaza reported that the death toll resulting from the continuous Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7 has surpassed 13,300.

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In a statement cited by Anadolu agency, the Gaza-based government media office said the death toll includes 5,600 children and 3,550 women.

It added that the death toll also includes 201 medical staff, 22 members of civil defense rescue teams, and 60 journalists.

Since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.

Prominent social media figure Abdu Rozik, who gained fame from Bigg Boss 16, is currently in the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia, undertaking his first Umrah.

The Tajik singer has shared glimpses from this sacred pilgrimage on his Instagram handle, offering his followers a glimpse of his holy journey.

In one of his Instagram posts, Abdu Rozik shared a mirror selfie in Ihram attire while making a dua for Palestine, stating, “If we nurture and protect all children, the world will be blessed. If we destroy them, then the world will be doomed and destroyed by the weight of their tears.”

He also shared more photos on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his first Umrah experience and emphasizing the importance of protecting, loving, and respecting each other, while praying for peace and unity.