This article documents a debate concerning the Italian operation Mare Nostrum which took place between October 2013 and November 2014 in the Central Mediterranean. First, the relevant context concerning the tragedy at Lampedusa on the 3rd of October 2013 is given. Second, the debate concerning the ambivalence of the operation between humanitarianism and military intervention is documented. Third a short follow-up to developments after the cessation of Mare Nostrum is provided.