The almost daily roster of those killed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, on both sides, is a deadly reminder of the toll inflicted by the violence.

But CARE, the Atlanta-based aid organization, is just as deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis among Palestinians that rarely garners the headlines.

"Not much is known about how the conflict has affected people in nonviolent ways," said Earl Wall, director of CARE's West Bank-Gaza office, who was in Atlanta this week to meet with his colleagues at headquarters. "A lot more harm is being done to a lot more people due to disruptions in social services and education."

He said the effect has been "devastating" among Palestinians, particuarly women, children and the elderly -- the most vulnerable segments of society.

The situation has been "worsened by the fact that the economy is in such a terrible state," Wall said. Unemployment, for example, is a staggering 70 percent in the Gaza Strip and 50 percent in the West Bank.

Israeli incursions into the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, border closures, curfews and checkpoints are choking the area's economy. Residents are not able to work or get food. Students can't get to school. And farmers can't get their products to market.

Israel said it is taking the measures to tighten security, in the wake of suicide bombings launched as part of the almost 3-year-old intifada, or uprising, by Palestinians.

The Israeli military's actions have been criticized internationally, but the government enjoys broad support within the Jewish state for its policy.

Palestinians, however, worry that Israel's move threatens to harm not just adults but children in the area.

Nutrition remains a major concern. A recent CARE survey found that more than 22.5 percent of Palestinian children in the West Bank and Gaza below age 5 are malnourished. As a result, "a lot of children are really not developing as they should," said Wall. The survey was conducted in conjunction with Al Quds University and the Global Management Consulting Group, with assistance by Johns Hopkins University.

A major health issue that actually predates the current conflict is the high prevalence of anemia. Four of every five children in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have inadequate iron and zinc intake, minerals that are key to lowering incidents of anemia and immune deficiencies. The same is true for women of childbearing age. In all, about 40 percent of the population is considered to be anemic.

CARE, which has been operating in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip since 1948, has outlined several ways to alleviate the crisis. They include providing targeted assistance to the most vulnerable segments of the population, such as feeding programs at schools and health centers. Other points include:

• Easing travel restrictions in the Palestinian terrorities, which would allow greater access for humanitarian organizations and the transportation of products from farms and manufacturers. Wall said such restrictions add to the costs of aid organizations working in the area.

• Job creation through public infrastructure construction and development of government services.

But Wall concedes that, ultimately, the solution to the crisis lies in a sustainable peace accord that "respects the rights of both peoples."