The Palestinian family who live in the Sheikh Shaban cemetery in Gaza city - in pictures

Gaza struggle to accommodate a growing population

Lamis Kuhail, 12, plays with her 2-month-old brother, Ahmed, at their family home in the Sheikh Shaban cemetery, Gaza city. All photos: Reuters

Children from the Kuhail family watch television in the family home in Sheikh Shaban cemetery. The children earn small amounts bringing water to funeral ceremonies.

Kamilia Kuhail, 35, tends to her son Ahmed, in Sheikh Shaban cemetery. The pressure on space in the cemetery reflects the growing pressure on land in Gaza.

A horse owned by the Kuhail family is tethered to a grave in Sheikh Shaban cemetery.

Omar Kuhail, 65, rests on a grave in Sheikh Shaban cemetery. Homeless squatters live in Gaza's cemeteries while authorities grapple with demand for new housing.

Lamis Kuhail studies for school in Sheikh Shaban cemetery. 'I sometimes get invited by friends from school, but I can't invite them here,' she said.

Lamis Kuhail does housework in the kitchen of the family home.

Khadija Kuhail, 30, with her son, Mohanad, 1, in the doorway of their home at the Sheikh Shaban cemetery. Gaza's population is set to more than double within the next 30 years to 4.8 million and already land is running out.

Omar Kuhail, 65, carries his grandson Mohammad, 7, on his shoulders in Sheikh Shaban cemetery, where they live. Gaza needs 14,000 new housing units a year, according to officials.

More from The National:

Taking the strain: weightlifting championship in Gaza - in pictures

Bodybuilders compete in fitness championship in Gaza city - in pictures

Tired of power cuts, blockaded Gaza turns to solar — in pictures

Taking the strain: weightlifting championship in Gaza - in pictures

Bodybuilding championship takes place in Gaza - in pictures