RAMALLAH, August 2, 2012 (WAFA) – The number of Israeli settlers in the West Bank increased by a growth rate of 1.3% and totaled 536,932 in 2011, compared to 523,939 in 2010, Thursday said a press release by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).

The number of Israeli settlements in the West Bank totaled 144. In Jerusalem governorate, the number of settlements reached 26, 16 of which have been annexed by Israel, added the statement.

Around 50% of the overall Israeli settlers in the West Bank are concentrated in Jerusalem governorate. The second highest number of Israeli settlers was in Ramallah and al-Bireh governorate, followed by Bethlehem and Salfti.

PCBS noted that Israeli settlers in the West Bank increased their numbers by more than 40 times, during the period 1972-2011.

R.Q./F.R.