Following her controversial statement about the Gaza Strip, White House briefing room fixture Helen Thomas has announced her retirement, effective immediately sources tell FishbowlDC.

Update: 12:28 PM

Statement from Hearst:

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2010 – Helen Thomas announced Monday that she is retiring, effective immediately. Her decision came after her controversial comments about Israel and the Palestinians were captured on videotape and widely disseminated on the Internet. Thomas later issued a statement: “I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. 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 will mark her 90th birthday on Aug. 4.