Axios

The debate over COVID's origins has included two main theories: that it came naturally from a market in Wuhan, China, or that it came from a lab leak there. In a new assessment, the CIA says it's more likely that COVID originated from a lab leak.

Why it matters: "John Ratcliffe, the new director of the CIA., ... has said it is a critical piece of intelligence that needs to be understood and that it has consequences for U.S.-Chinese relations," The New York Times' Julian E. Barnes reports.

Elon Musk told members of the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party that "there's too much focus on past guilt," days after he gave what scholars and rights groups said was a Hitlergruß, or Nazi salute.

Why it matters: The world's richest man made the remarks Saturday, seemingly referring to the burden Germany carries for the Holocaust, two days before International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One Saturday that he wants Jordan and Egypt to take Palestinians from Gaza into their territory "temporarily or long term."

Why it matters: Since the start of the war in Gaza, Egypt and Jordan have led the Arab world's opposition to any forced transfer by Israel of Palestinians from Gaza.

The Trump White House instructed the Pentagon to release the hold imposed by the Biden administration on the supply of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, three Israeli officials told Axios.

Why it matters: President Biden's decision to halt the delivery of one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs last May triggered one of the biggest crises the U.S-Israel relationship has faced during the 15-month war in Gaza.

Four Israeli women soldiers who were kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7 terror attack and held in Gaza were released on Saturday morning local time.

Why it matters: This was the second set of hostages released since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire came into effect a week ago. Seven hostages have been released so far as part of the deal.

President Trump will reinstate a policy cutting off U.S. global health funding to international organizations that provide legal abortion information, referrals or services, the White House wrote in a memo released on Friday.

Why it matters: Trump will expand the so-called Mexico City policy, which critics refer to as a global gag rule.