Is an engagement considered void if it took place during the waiting period (iddah), and are embracing and kissing during the engagement considered an abomination?

The jurists have agreed on the prohibition of explicitly proposing to a woman in her waiting period (iddah (definition)), based on the Almighty's saying: "And there is no blame upon you for what you allude to concerning a proposal to women..." (Quran 2:235). This is also because an explicit proposal might prompt the suitor to lie about the iddah having ended. Therefore, proposing to this woman is forbidden. Furthermore, touching and kissing her before the marriage contract (nikah (definition)) is not permissible, as this is considered unlawful sexual intercourse (zina) in Islamic law.