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How is a white flag used during armed conflict?
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flag
Various shapes of flags: (from left) rectangle (Algeria), square (Switzerland), pennant (Nepal), swallowtail (Ohio, U.S.).
In the context of heraldry and international conduct, a white flag is a universally recognized symbol used during armed conflict for two primary purposes:
- Flag of Truce: It serves as an invitation to the enemy to engage in a conference or parley.1
- Token of Surrender: It is displayed as a formal signal of yielding to opposing forces.2
The use of a plain white flag is a long-standing convention intended to facilitate communication and minimize unnecessary loss of life by providing a clear, non-aggressive signal between combatants.21