In a powerful editorial today, The Washington Post called for the United States to ensure that Hamas is disarmed in any ceasefire deal, and that it must “reject Hamas’s agenda,” because “a full reopening of Gaza’s land and sea borders … would also allow Hamas to import more missiles and concrete for new tunnels.”

The editorial explains the threat the tunnels pose to Israel:

Hamas’s offensive tunnels should not be confused with the burrows it has dug under Gaza’s border with Egypt to smuggle money, consumer goods and military equipment. The newly discovered structures have only one conceivable purpose: to launch attacks inside Israel. Three times in recent days, Hamas fighters emerged from the tunnels in the vicinity of Israeli civilian communities, which they clearly aimed to attack. The ­concrete-lined structures are stocked with materials, such as handcuffs and tranquilizers, that could be used on hostages. Other tunnels in northern Gaza are designed for the storage and firing of missiles at Israeli cities.

The resources devoted by Hamas to this project are staggering, particularly in view of Gaza’s extreme poverty. By one Israeli account, the typical tunnel cost $1 million to build over the course of several years, using tons of concrete desperately needed for civilian housing. By design, many of the tunnels have entrances in the heavily populated Shijaiyah district, where the Israeli offensive has been concentrated. One was found underneath al-Wafa hospital, where Hamas also located a command post and stored weapons, according to Israeli officials.

The editorial also blasts Hamas for using human shields and chides much of the world for accepting Hamas’ use of the tactic.

The depravity of Hamas’s strategy seems lost on much of the outside world, which — following the terrorists’ script — blames Israel for the civilian casualties it inflicts while attempting to destroy the tunnels. While children die in strikes against the military infrastructure that Hamas’s leaders deliberately placed in and among homes, those leaders remain safe in their own tunnels. There they continue to reject cease-fire proposals, instead outlining a long list of unacceptable demands.

In addition to understanding the nature of Hamas’ threat to Israel, the Post’s editors recognize the need for Israel to eliminate that threat.

Last week, a Post editorial recognized that Hamas was “perpetuating the killing of its own people.” Earlier this week, a news report showed the great expense and effort Hamas put into building the tunnels, even as Gaza’s population was “mired in poverty.” Today’s editorial incorporated elements of both pieces.

But the editorial also is a marked change from the position held by the Post in June 2010, when an editorial argued to relax the blockade of Gaza:

But Israel’s policy has not been aimed at weapons smuggling alone. It also has choked off many consumer goods and supplies needed to rebuild Gaza’s economy.

The 2010 editorial didn’t take into account dual-use items such as cement, which can be used to build tunnels. The current editors clearly recognize that Israel’s fear was justified. Faced with proof that Hamas’ primary goal is to attack and kill Israelis while victimizing its own people, the editors of The Washington Post now see disarming Hamas as a necessary prerequisite for peace.

[Photo: Israel Defense Forces / Flickr ]