Jackie Chan moved to tears by Gaza: Children do not grow up here

WISE NEWS PRESS / BEIJING, CHINA — 02 JANUARY 2026

World-renowned actor Jackie Chan expressed deep emotional distress over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during the premiere of his latest film in Beijing, moved to tears by a child's words.

Speaking at the debut of "A Journey to Home" on January 1, 2026, the legendary martial artist and director deviated from his usual action-comedy focus to address the ongoing tragedy. Chan recounted watching a video featuring a young Palestinian boy that profoundly affected him, leading to a public display of grief that resonated throughout the hall. He reflected on the privilege of aging—a basic human experience currently denied to many in the conflict zone—stating that he now realizes being able to grow old is a form of happiness.

"Children do not grow up here"

Chan shared the specific dialogue from the video that triggered his tears. When a reporter asked a young boy in Gaza what he wanted to be when he grew up, the child responded, "Children do not grow up here." The actor emphasized that the child's lack of expression while delivering such a devastating sentence was particularly heartbreaking. This moment, Chan noted, made him realize the dire reality of daily bombardments and the loss of innocence in the region.

International warnings and UNICEF data

The actor's emotional appeal coincides with increasingly dire reports from international organizations regarding the safety of minors in the conflict. UNICEF recently issued a statement reporting that more than 50,000 children have been killed or injured in Gaza since October 2023. Chan’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion on social media, drawing further global attention to the humanitarian toll as the cinema legend used his platform to highlight the plight of those living under constant threat.

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