Which principles govern armed conflict under the law of armed conflict?

The principles that govern armed conflict under the law of armed conflict are military necessity, distinction, and proportionality, which makes this choice the correct answer.

Military necessity allows for the use of force to achieve a legitimate military objective, ensuring that actions taken in the conflict are necessary to secure that goal. This principle seeks to balance the necessity of military actions against humanitarian considerations.

Distinction is crucial as it mandates that parties in a conflict must differentiate between combatants and non-combatants, ensuring that civilians are protected from the consequences of hostilities. This principle aims to minimize harm to those not participating in the conflict.

Proportionality calls for the balance between the military advantage gained from an attack and the potential civilian harm that could result. It requires that the anticipated loss of civilian life or damage to civilian property must not be excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage gained.

Together, these principles help to regulate the conduct of hostilities and protect individuals who are not directly participating in the conflict, ensuring that warfare is conducted within a framework of law and ethics. The other choices do not encompass the well-established principles that serve as the foundation of the law of armed conflict, lacking the necessary legal specificity and focus on humanitarian considerations.