ole purpose of starving the civilian population or denying it other objects essential for its survival; or
b) the damage to the civilian population is, or may be expected to be, excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated from the blockade.
103. If the civilian population of the blockaded territory is inadequately provided with food and other objects essential for its survival, the blockading party must provide for free passage of such foodstuffs and other essential supplies, subject to:
a) the right to prescribe the technical arrangements, including search, under which such passage is permitted; and
b) the condition that the distribution of such supplies shall be made under the local supervision of a Protecting Power or a humanitarian organization which offers guarantees of impartiality, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross.
104. The blockading belligerent shall allow the passage of medical supplies for the civilian population or for the wounded and sick members of armed forces, subject to the right to prescribe technical arrangements, including search, under which such passage is permitted.
Zones
105. A belligerent cannot be absolved of its duties under international humanitarian law by establishing zones which might adversely affect the legitimate uses of defined areas of the sea.
106. Should a belligerent, as an exceptional measure, establish such a zone:
a) the same body of law applies both inside and outside the zone;
b) the extent, location and duration of the zone and the measures imposed shall not exceed what is strictly required by military necessity and the principles of proportionality;
c) due regard shall be given to the rights of neutral States to legitimate uses of the seas;
d) necessary safe passage through the zone for neutral vessels and aircraft shall be provided:
i) where the geographical extent of the zone significantly
impedes free and safe access to the ports and coasts of a
neutral State;
ii) in other cases where normal navigation routes are
affected, except where military requirements do not permit;
and
e) the commencement, duration, location and extent of the zone, as well as the restrictions imposed, shall be publicly declared and appropriately notified.
107. Compliance with the measures taken by one belligerent in the zone shall not be construed as an act harmful to the opposing belligerent.
108. Nothing in this Section should be deemed to derogate from the customary belligerent right to control neutral vessels and aircraft in the immediate vicinity of naval operations.
Section III
DECEPTION, RUSES OF WAR AND PERFIDY
109. Military and auxiliary aircraft are prohibited at all times from feigning exempt, civilian or neutral status.
110. Ruses of war are permitted. Warships and auxiliary vessels, however, are prohibited from launching an attack whilst flying a false flag, and at all times from actively simulating the status of:
a) hospital ships, small coastal rescue craft or medical transports;
b) vessels on humanitarian missions;
c) passenger vessels carrying civilian passengers;
d) vessels protected by the United Nations flag;
e) vessels guaranteed safe conduct by prior agreement between the parties, including cartel vessels;
f) vessels entitled to be identified by the emblem of the red cross or red crescent; or
g) vessels engaged in transporting cultural property under special protection.
111. Perfidy is prohibited. Acts inviting the confidence of an adversary to lead it to believe that it is entitled to, or is obliged to acc
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