The United Nations launched Thursday the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, calling for more efforts for justice and durable peace between Israel and Palestine.

Senior UN officials believe 2014 could be an important year in the Middle East peace process, if both sides are willing to take bold steps and refrain from actions that undermine progress in the peace talks that resumed last year.

In a statement issued here, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said this will be a "critical" year for achieving the two-state solution, bringing an end to the occupation that started in 1967, and securing an independent, viable and sovereign state of Palestine living in peace and security with the state of Israel where each recognizes the other's legitimate rights.

He called on all members of the international community, in particular, Israelis and Palestinians, to work together for " justice and a durable peace."

"Israel and Palestine need to live up to their commitment to a negotiated two-state solution and resolve all permanent status issues, in accordance with Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Road Map, the 2002 Arab Peace initiative and existing agreements between the parties," the statement said.

Last November, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2014 as the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The resolution was approved by 110 votes to 7, with 56 abstentions. Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Palau and the United States voted against.

Thursday marked the official launch of the initiative, coinciding with the 2014 session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.

Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told the committee that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are working hard towards a peaceful, comprehensive settlement of all permanent status issues.

"The Secretary-General and I urge all in the international community to work together to translate the solidarity and desire for peace expressed on this occasion into positive action for security and for justice," he said.

General Assembly President John Ashe told the meeting that he hoped the Year leads to "robust" support for the people of Palestine.

"I am sure I speak for many when I say that I hope the Year helps foster an atmosphere of dialogue and mutual understanding between the two sides of this decades-long conflict," he said.

"Now is the time for vision, compromise and deepening of respect. Let us make this year - 2014 - the decisive year for achieving peace between Israel and Palestine," Ashe said. "I implore all those who have a stake in this outcome - governments, international organizations, and people everywhere - to do their part."