Which is NOT a principle of the Law of War?

The principle that is identified as not belonging to the Law of War is mercy.

In the context of the Law of War, which is designed to regulate the conduct of armed conflict and protect individuals who are not participating in hostilities, the principles of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity are foundational.

• Distinction refers to the obligation to differentiate between combatants and non-combatants, ensuring that military operations are directed only at legitimate military targets.

• Proportionality entails that the anticipated collateral damage to civilian lives and property must be proportionate to the military advantage gained from an operation.

• Military necessity allows for the use of force to achieve a legitimate military goal but prohibits unnecessary suffering.

Although mercy may guide the ethical treatment of individuals during war, it is not a codified principle of the Law of War like the other three. Therefore, recognizing mercy as separate from the structured principles governing armed conflict is critical for understanding how international humanitarian law functions.