 Commissioner Edward Keith @-@ Roach described the screen as violating the Ottoman status quo that forbade Jews from making any construction in the Western Wall area . He informed the Jewish community that the removal had been carried out under his orders after receiving a complaint from the Supreme Muslim Council . The Arabs were concerned that the Jews were trying to extend their rights at the wall and with this move , ultimately intended to take possession of the Al @-@ Aqsa Mosque . The British government issued an announcement explaining the incident and blaming the Jewish beadle at the Wall . It stressed that the removal of the screen was necessary , but expressed regret over the ensuing events . 
