Short tandem repeat (STR) loci amplified by PCR are known as a useful tool for individual identification and paternity testing. Direct PCR amplification from small amounts of whole blood is a rapid and convenient method for population screening for STR and VNTR markers. The allele frequencies of the vWF locus were determined for 127 unrelated Palestinians. Co-dominant segregation was observed in 20 mother/child pairs. Nine alleles were observed, with frequencies ranging from 0.004 to 0.327. Heterozygosity was 79%, and discrimination power was 0.927.