The 1977 Additional Protocol 1 to the Geneva Conventions (AP-1) prohibits all intentional attacks on "the civilian population and civilian objects." It also prohibits and defines "indiscriminate attacks" as "incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination thereof, which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated." This rule is referred to by scholars as the principle of proportionality. Until well after World War II ended in 1945, the norm of reciprocity provided a justification for conduct in armed conflict.
the 1977 additional protocol 1 to the geneva conventions (ap-1) prohibits all intentional attacks on "the civilian population and civilian objects" it also prohibits and defines "indiscriminate attacks" as "incidental loss of civilian life injury to civilians damage to civilian objects or a combination thereof which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated" this rule is referred to by scholars as the principle of proportionality until well after world war ii ended in 1945 the norm of reciprocity provided a justification for conduct in armed conflict