Introduction

As part a BBC News Online series of photo essays, a family struggling to survive in Rafah, Gaza, whose home was destroyed by Israeli forces, tell their story. The Israelis see such operations as necessary to prevent arms smuggling across the border with Egypt.

"My name is Maha Abu Shatat. I live in Rafah's football stadium with my husband and eight children. Our home was destroyed by the Israeli army. We lived near the Egyptian border and along with hundreds of others we are now homeless because our houses were considered a security risk by the Israelis.

"The picture shows me and my five-year-old Mohammed."