What is the principle of "necessity" in the law of armed conflict?

The principle of "necessity" in the law of armed conflict is centered on the requirement that military action must be necessary to achieve a legitimate military objective. This principle is foundational because it ensures that force is used only when it is needed to accomplish specific strategic goals, and not for purposes that may be extraneous or excessive relative to those objectives.

The principle of necessity helps to regulate the conduct of hostilities by requiring that any military action undertaken must serve a clear military purpose. This aligns with the overall goal of minimizing suffering and destruction during armed conflict, as it discourages unnecessary violence and collateral damage. The notion of legitimacy in this context also emphasizes that any military objective pursued should be recognized as lawful under international law.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects that do not define the principle of necessity as it is understood in international humanitarian law. For example, while protecting civilian interests and complying with international treaties are critical considerations in the law of armed conflict, they are distinct from the specific requirement that military action must target military objectives that are necessary for achieving the stated military goals.