Veteran Washington reporter and columnist Helen Thomas announced Monday that she is retiring effective immediately, according to a statement from the Hearst Corporation.

Thomas's decision came days after her controversial statement that Jews should "get the hell out of Palestine."

"I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians," Thomas said in a statement. "They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon.’’

Thomas under fire for saying Jews in Israel should go back to Germany, Poland