What is the intended outcome of the principle of proportionality in armed conflict?

The principle of proportionality in armed conflict aims to ensure that the anticipated military advantage gained from an attack is proportional to the collateral damage expected to civilians and civilian infrastructure. This serves to minimize unnecessary destruction and suffering. By adhering to this principle, parties involved in armed conflict are bound to avoid scenarios where the harm inflicted on non-combatants outweighs the military benefit, thus promoting the humane conduct of warfare and ensuring that efforts to protect civilian lives and properties are prioritized.

While maximizing tactical advantages, ensuring total victory, or reducing the length of armed engagements might be strategic objectives in military operations, they do not align with the humanitarian rationale driving the principle of proportionality. The focus is squarely on balancing military necessity with humanitarian considerations, highlighting the ethical imperative to avoid excessive harm.