WH Criticizes Helen Thomas' Remarks; Thomas Announces Retirement

Meredith Jessup | June 07, 2010 12:23 PM

Press secretary Robert Gibbs this morning criticized White House press corps veteran Helen Thomas' recent comments about ongoing Jewish-Palestinian conflicts as "offensive and reprehensible." Thomas was not present during Gibbs' remarks.

Thomas wrote on her website that "I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians."

She added: "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."

Hearst newspapers has announced this afternoon that Helen Thomas will be retiring.