NEW YORK -- Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip and of Lebanon's southern border is exacting a heavy price on the civilian population in those regions. Isra- el's actions are worsening a humanitarian situation that was already critical, particularly as far as children's health and the quality of their lives are concerned. Despite international laws protecting children's rights, including the Convention of the Rights of the Child, signed by Israel, Palestinian children are still suffering.

Several factors are important in determining children's health in the region; notably the socio-economic situation, actions of the intifada and punitive reactions of the Israeli Defense Forces.

As a result of the current conflict, the Palestinian economy has been devastated. More than half of the population now lives below the poverty line. Poverty has led to acute and chronic malnutrition in children as well as anemia in children and in women of reproductive age.