Trump says he had 'very good meetings' on Gaza, more federal jobs to be cut during shutdownbr br US President Trump sounded an optimistic note as Hamas officials arrived in Egypt on Sunday, October 5, ahead of talks with Israel that the US hopes will lead to a halt in fighting and the freeing of hostages in Gaza.br br Israeli negotiators led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer were to travel to Egypt on Monday for negotiations in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh about the release of hostages, part of Trump's plan to end the nearly two-year Gaza war.br br As Trump returned to the White House, he also said that firing of federal workers "is taking place right now" as he blamed the shutdown on democratic lawmakers.