UN says the death toll in South Sudan has reached 272 and is likely to rise further. UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous urged the Security Council to look into using targeted sanctions on leaders of rivalling parties to curb the violence.

The UN also urged both parties to respect the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. South Sudan's Ambassador to the UN Akuei Bona Malwal said the government remains committed to the peace agreement and asked for the international community's help.

The clashes between longtime rivals Vice President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir erupted last Friday. A ceasefire was reached Monday. Kiir and Machar first signed a peace deal in August 2015 aimed at ending the civil war.