ADANA, Turkey, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Turkish police used tear gas and water cannons on Sunday to disperse hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters attempting to storm an air base housing U.S. troops. The clashes occurred just hours before U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's scheduled arrival in Ankara for talks on the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The protest, organized by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, an Islamist Turkish aid agency, aimed to express solidarity with Gaza and criticize Israeli attacks, as well as to call for the closure of the Incirlik air base in the southern Adana province, which is home to U.S. military personnel.

Footage from the scene showed tear gas being fired and water cannons being used against crowds waving Turkish and Palestinian flags, as they clashed with riot police in full gear. Protesters toppled barricades and engaged in scuffles with security forces, hurling plastic chairs, rocks, and other objects at the police, who responded by firing smoke bombs. Several injuries were reported, although the extent of the casualties is yet to be confirmed.

Addressing the protestors in Adana, IHH President Bulent Yildirim urged them to avoid attacking the police, stating, "Our rage is huge. We cannot hold it in. But Turkey is doing what it can." The demonstration was cut short due to the escalating clashes.

The timing of the protest coincides with Blinken's visit to Ankara, where he is scheduled to meet Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Monday to hold discussions on the Gaza situation. Turkey, which strongly supports a two-state solution and hosts members of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, has intensified its criticism of Israel in response to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The incident near Incirlik air base highlights the growing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Hamas conflict, with protests erupting across the country against Israeli actions and U.S. support for Israel. Incirlik has previously been used to support the international coalition's efforts against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, but the IHH's protest aims to have it closed as a statement against U.S. support for Israel.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the clashes will impact the discussions between Blinken and Fidan. Ankara has previously voiced criticism towards Western countries over their backing of Israel, making these talks highly significant in the context of the ongoing Gaza crisis.