What identifies objects protected from military operations under international law?

The identification of objects protected from military operations under international law is referred to as a no-strike list. This list is essential for ensuring compliance with legal standards that safeguard certain sites, such as civilian infrastructure, cultural heritage, and humanitarian facilities, from being targeted during armed conflict.

The no-strike list is developed based on the principles of distinction and proportionality in international humanitarian law, which require combatants to differentiate between military targets and protected objects. By adhering to the no-strike list, military forces contribute to minimizing harm to civilian populations and adhering to ethical standards during military operations.

In contrast, the other lists mentioned, such as the target engagement list and the joint integrated prioritized target list, focus more on identifying and prioritizing military objectives rather than protecting non-combatant entities or places, which is why they do not serve the same purpose as the no-strike list. The restricted target list, while it may also contain targets that require special consideration, does not specifically encapsulate the protection criteria set forth in international law as comprehensively as a no-strike list does.