UN general Assembly hall.

The UN General Assembly voted on Tuesday to make 2014 the  “International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.” The decision was passed by the international body by a wide margin, sparking sharp criticism from Israel.

Member states adopted the decision with 110 voting favor, seven against with 56 abstentions.

Joining Israel in voting against the resolution were the U.S., Australia, Canada, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.

“I ask all in the international community to work together to translate the solidarity expressed on this occasion into positive action for peace and justice,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, in a statement.

“The goal remains clear – an end to the occupation that started in 1967 and the creation of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, living side by side in peace with a secure State of Israel.”